Tim Foley’s short sixty-minute play is a satirical spin on the film franchise Jurassic Park. Boxed up and packaged in such way that the actors themselves physically and figuratively fight it out in true dinosaur style. Set within a financially stricken university the Dean calls in Jay an academic in palaeontologist to his office. Jay is faced with being laid off due to academic losses, poor performance, scandal and anything the Dean could put upon him. Examples of failings ‘losses’ Jay appeared on countdown and lost to a ‘little old lady’ his performance Dean explained brought the university into disrepute. Jay hangs out in the student bar and is too familiar with the female students, “you are bringing the university into disrepute” time after time. Unhappy with his fate Jay takes steps to try and reverse the decision and reason with the Dean, to no avail.
The two confront each other as the injustice is served, Jay is not happy with the style or reasoning of is unjust dismissal.
The face off continues throughout the play as Jay returns trying to secure a comeback. The duo continues to outwit each other with their intentions to not let each other succeed or win sparring with deep revenge and dominance. Like two fighting dinosaurs head-butting, biting and clawing at each other. Dean believes that the Jurassic Park’s actors Sam Neill. Lauren Dern, Goldblum truly cloned the dinosaurs, and this is all conspiracy and trickery.
The light skit from Jay “It’s just a film” adds comedic effect and there is silliness humour throughout.
The play also has its dark moments as the will to ‘destroy’ each other figuratively becomes fierce.
Beautifully written storylines that flow well, you do feel for Jay and see the ridiculousness of Dean’s approach and non sensical reasoning.
There are strobe and flashlights which adds to the sinister unforeseen scenes some acted out in darkness. Ndlovu movement direction appears to simulate the movement of dinosaurs at ‘war’.
Jurassic is undoubtedly very clever and downright silly play. If you are looking for a short play to see and love Jurassic Park this one is for you.
Playwright Tim Foley
Director Piers Black
Creative Producer Ransack Theatre
Movement Director Yandass Ndlovu
Performers Matt Holt and Alastair Michael
Start time 8.45pm, 60 minutes no interval
Run Wednesday 19th- Saturday 25th November
Booking Link: https://sohotheatre.com/events/jurassic/
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 18th November 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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