Review: Invisible Me (Southwark Playhouse Borough)

Invisible Me is a play by Bren Gosling about three people who are turning 60 and feeling like their lives have lost their way, in one way or another. You may think this subject matter could be hard going, however despite the challenges the characters are facing, the writing proves that you can find comedy in some of the darkest places.

The set (David Shields) is simple but striking, and the props used consist only of three chairs.  Enhanced by the subtle but effective lighting design (Jodie Underwood), this visual ensures the focus is entirely on the characters and what they have to say.  In the form of separate monologues, they initially introduce themselves and describe why they are struggling to find their place now they are 60. At the start the overall sense is of loneliness and sadness, especially after they return home, shut the door and leave the outside world behind.

Production photo by Harry Elletson

Lynn (Tessa-Peake Jones) is easy to feel empathy for from the offset. She initially presents as almost too unsure to be speaking to an audience, and it becomes apparent as time goes on why she feels so withdrawn and unsteady, a combination of loss and trauma leaving her not knowing who she really is.  Socially isolated, Lynn doesn’t even speak to her colleagues at the local Travelodge. But eventually someone at work opens the door to another world for Lynn, and this takes a turn she was expecting even less than the audience. The way her strength grows through the story arc feels steady, authentic and joyful to watch, and it’s almost like seeing a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis.

Jack (James Holmes) has experienced loss of his husband after 35 happy years together. His monologue is often aimed at his husband, as Jack adapts to life no longer being half of a pair. With encouragement from the outside world to carry on living, is Jack ready yet? He’s hesitant and unsure, and the sense is that his narrative will be continuing to develop once the play is over.

Cab driver Alec (Kevin N Golding), who was formerly a punk, thinks he’s still got it. Initially coming across as an arrogant alpha male, as time goes on it becomes clearer that he has regrets and as his character realises he’s actually not 30 anymore, it is impossible not to warm to him. His monologue is delivered with many fourth wall breaks and eye contact with audience members, almost as if Alec is trying to get the audience on side from the offset.

The way the monologues initially feel very distinct but become more connected as time goes on is gradual but satisfying, and direction by Scott Le Crass ensures the way the space is used transports you to various locations without the need for furniture or set changes.

There was a lot of laughter in the audience through this play, comedy moments were peppered throughout the 1.5 hour show, and it was clear that there were mentions of certain topics aimed at different age groups, and the reactions in the audience reflected this.

Production photo by Harry Elletson

I personally enjoyed the fact that although the characters explored the minefield of online dating, the play wasn’t entirely about finding a partner, and more about human connection in a wider way. This meant cliché was cleverly swerved and the ending felt more hopeful for the future rather than a full stop.

I do feel like Lynn would have had a bit of a mention at least once of some common issues peri- and post-menopausal women would undoubtedly bring up. I would have also liked to have heard more about Jack living with HIV, although maybe the whole point here was it was harder to live with 35 years ago than it is now. Either way, a bit more on when he and his husband found out about this would have been interesting.

Invisible me is a slice of live which leaves you with a sense of hope for the future, and it was a treat to see these three cast members bring the characters to life so effectively.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Invisible Me is showing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 2 May.

If you would like to see my curtain call photographs from this and other shows, please visit my Instagram.

I was gifted a ticket for this show in exchange for an honest review.