Double Act – Southwark Playhouse

Two clowns enter the stage, their mission: to end their life tonight. We travel with them for the day as they quarrel over the best way to spend this final day. Representing one male, 28 and lost in what purpose his life might have, we meet strangers and exes on the way to the coast. Small gestures of kindness and connection breaks his mission to the cliff, giving him moments of doubt as he continues to question – what is courage? Is it to finally bring it all to an end or is it to keep trying?

Written and performed by Nick Hyde, they play one side of the coin along with Oliver Maynard. Each of the pair double as other characters in this man’s life. The nosy neighbour, the ex and the unbearable finance bro from school. Each moment is relatable and hilarious, as we all connect over the jarring lifestyle of London and the toxic environment we all seem to ignore. The clowns return to the perspective of our ‘Man’ only to throw negative and self-deprecating language to how he handles every situation like a coward, but in small moments one clown clings onto his gratitude journal in an attempt to feel better.

Only a 90 min show, it’s a small and powerful message for many who can relate to the disappointment they have in themselves and the two quarrelling voices you may have in your head that never let you forget what you wanted vs what you got. It’s a question of courage, the opinion of society and how we look upon those who are clearly in pain but as the city runs at such speed we forget to reach out to those who struggle to hold onto this fast tempo.

To counter this, there are small moments through-out where we see people holding out their hands but due to the mental space he finds himself in, he cannot accept the help. This was a clever message dressed in comedy, I thought. Often, for those in this pain they rely on the acceptance of others however you can’t find peace until you believe it for yourself. Often mental health in performance can be layered thinly however here, we saw an incredible amount of depth to this man and experienced his thoughts live reacting to the kindness around him.

The space was dressed simply and effectively, we could really be drawn into the physical theatre of the performers due to this. Lighting balanced nicely with the environment and although we mostly had to imagine the environment ‘Man’ was in, it wasn’t difficult with the sound bringing in the reality of the situation. The transitions were snappy and well practiced.

My only want from this performance was perhaps snappier transitions between the actors as we go from space to space so often, I’d love to feel that rollercoaster effect between environments and subject matters. As he is in such a heightened space of panic, I’d love to feel that in the audience, that I’m with him and similar to the Man,  we both can’t get off.

A piece worth seeing, the subject matter is beautifully handled and leaves you with a fountain full of thoughts.

Reviewer: Alice Rose

Reviewed: 22nd March 2025

North West End UK Rating: