The Lads – Hen & Chickens Theatre

‘Toxic masculinity’ continues to be a fizzing hot topic. In the past few years, it’s curdled from legitimate concern and intelligent discussion to yet another flashpoint in the culture wars. Well meaning and bad faith operators were soon questioning the term, concerned that it reinforced negative stereotypes and might be detrimental to the mental health of young men. Meanwhile, the ‘manosphere’ continues to grow and curdle. The views of provocative influencers are seeping into the mainstream due to the monetisation model of online media and the grim logic of the algorithm.

Andrew Tate went from a misogynist freak on the fringe of the Internet to a global pop culture phenomenon. The reasons for that evolution might be complex, but it’s hard not to conclude that the problem is escalating. In the current climate, pointing out the obvious can prove divisive. Art can step into this cauldron of debate and create pause, reflection and a focus for more nuanced conversations. The Lads by Tim Charles dips into this territory, but also ponders nostalgia, the nature of friendship and the quirks of living in a small town in Ireland.

The story concerns a group of men who were mates at school and are reuniting for the funeral of their friend’s brother. James Treacy plays Jake, returning to Ireland from Stockholm. He’s a sensitive, thoughtful character and Treacy gives him the necessary mix of quiet fury and growing frustration. We meet Jake in the pub, drinking with his old friend Donnie (David Watters). They rake over memories from adolescence, seeking the familiarity and connection they once had. Watters is suitably nervy and needy for approval. As we later discover, he’s a man who’s tormented by shame and self-loathing.

When Martin (Andrew Cusack) and Simon (Brian Rafferty) rock up to the pub, the dynamics of their group become clear. Martin was obviously top dog at school, blessed with winning physicality and confidence. Cusack nails that cocky, slightly bullying brio that comes from blokes who are tirelessly establishing their status. At one point, he downs a Guinness in one gulp, cheered on by his mates. Even if that was a non-alcoholic pint, Cusack sank it with impressive gusto. Sometimes a quick piece of physical theatre can do a lot of heavy lifting.

As the men get drunk, they bicker, joke and reminisce. Their lively banter is overlooked by Susan, a bored bar-maid played by Sorcha Morgan. As the only woman in the cast, she feels a tad underwritten. Despite that, Morgan does a lot with a little. She’s a master of the eye roll and given an occasional sharp quip, she delivers them with relish. There’s always something unnerving and revealing about a gang of men interacting with a lone woman. Susan’s relatively small role felt like a missed opportunity, especially as Morgan seems way too talented to be left quietly on the sidelines.

It’s a one act play and the writing by Tim Charles captures the rhythms and sometimes playful cruelty of Irish humour, while packing a lot into 55 minutes. There are a couple of reveals and a well-executed curveball, as the truth about a historic sexual assault spills into the open. While it’s impressive that Charles has written such a tight, twisty drama in under an hour, it might benefit from a bit more brutality. There’s room for The Lads to be an uglier experience. They all seem quite nice, really, even the rapist.

As a gay boy with Irish parents, who went to British comprehensive and a LOT of funerals in Ireland, the chat felt a bit tame. Young Irish men who barely swear? Holy Mother of God, sure I’ve never heard the like. It seems the play may be picked up by ITV and turned into a television drama. Perhaps the lack of cussing and offensive dialogue was a wise move from a commercial perspective, but it could have delivered a nastier bite. It’s a perfect story for a TV thriller and it’s exciting to see how it could shape up for the small screen.

The Lads is at Hen & Chickens Theatre until 6th August 2026,

The Lads Play – Camden Fringe

Reviewer: Stewart Who?

Reviewed: 4th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: