Holly Street – theSpace on the Mile

This is a play produced by Long Face Theatre Company and New Celts Productions, set in a meeting room where five writers brainstorm the 35th anniversary episode of Holly Street, a soap opera.  The writers plan, plot, squabble and tease until they inadvertently/magically slip into an alternate reality and in the process, they reveal to the audience who they really are behind their facades.

So far, so interesting.  It’s the magical whiteboard, y’see – whatever’s written on it comes true and that gradually dawns on the writers, who manage to bravely and noisily unite to confront and overcome the zombie attack out with the performance space and reach the crescendo of the piece – returning to the ‘stage’ triumphant, much to the audience’s noisy appreciation.

Yep, this is a very inventive piece – and what’s notable about this play is … well … a lot.  An awful lot, in fact.

First, the way in which the space is used is pretty smart.  It’s the fringe, after all where economy and utility are everything.  A room divider used as a noticeboard, a whiteboard and a meeting table set at an angle in the corner of the performance space – not in the front – works well.  There is a very effective feeling of nudge-nudge-know-what-I-mean? inclusion and immersion from the off.

Second, the cast is slick and young, original and energetic, and their timing flows naturally, instinctively – almost beat perfect.   

Third, the writing is original and quirky.  It’s good.  Very good, actually.  And it achieves the impossible – the projection of a convoluted twisty turny plot/non-plot which somehow manages to effortlessly bring every member of the audience with it, without any breaking of the fourth wall.  Also, because of the cast’s instinctive comedic timing, each of the comedy asides manages to land squarely with a healthy degree of laughter.  

The only thing that let this play down was the sound.  There was one pre-recorded segment which formed part of the comedic narrative which was all but incoherent.  As a result, one of the characterisations was lost in what should have been a short dramatic and revelatory scene.

Quite honestly, though that wasn’t hugely significant.  It didn’t affect the pace of the play one bit.

Go and see this.  Do.

Reviewer:  Susan Elizabeth

Reviewed:  9th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: