Imposter 22 – Royal Court Theatre

This Royal Court Theatre production presented in collaboration with Access All Areas is an extraordinary production. It has been devised and is performed by a group of 6 actors with learning disabilities. It takes the form of a whodunnit. When one of the characters appears to have been murdered, the group are concerned that because of their disabilities they will be suspected by the police. They therefore resolve to coordinate their stories and to try and find out who might have committed the crime. Danny, a homeless person played by Jamael Westman, joins their group and receives instruction by them in how fit in to a learning-disabled community. An interesting inverse of the struggles which people with learning disabilities face in fitting into society. There are then various diversions as members of the group talk about their past history and enact real-life dilemmas, before the second half, where they end up on an island and the problem is resolved.

The disabled actors, who have all had professional training, were very impressive on the stage, showing great confidence and stage presence. For this reviewer, not used to the speech patterns of those with learning disabilities, audibility was sometimes a problem. However, I particularly liked Housni Hassan’s infectious enthusiasm, which got the show off to a tremendous start and Stephanie Newman who, although struggling with lines at times, delivered them with a great sensitivity and subtlety.

The cast were assisted by a crew of stagehands who acted as prompt and moved props and stage furniture around. Their assistance was acknowledged by the cast from the very beginning but I felt uncomfortable that their obvious presence implied that the cast needed continual minding.

There was a great deal of humour, but also the opportunity to make some really serious points about life for the disabled and autistic. It had some lovely moments; I particularly like the scene in the job centre where the dialogue was gobbledygook. The plot was rather convoluted and difficult to follow at times. I found it hard to understand the relevance of the hamster wheel or the island, which initially I thought might be an allegory for a world in which the educationally challenged lived.

I was left wondering who this production was aimed at. There was an excellent Visual Guide available, produced by Access All Areas. This explained clearly and visually what happens at a theatre, and outlined the story, which suggested that it was aimed at an audience new to watching live performance. For those who work with or who are supporting educationally disadvantaged people it would, I think, be a fascinating production.

Due to the unique nature of this production, I shall not be giving it a “star“ rating.

Playing until 14th October. https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/imposter-22/

Reviewer: Paul Ackroyd

Reviewed: 29th September 2023