Theatre Review: Imposter 22 at Royal Court

Co-creators Kirsty Adams, Cian Binchy, Dayo Koleosho, Lee Phillips, Charlene Salter, Housni Hassan (DJ) and Stephanie Newman with Stephanie Newman's alternate Anna Costable (credit Chris Mann)

Molly Davies’ play, directed by Hamish Pirie, at The Royal Court, is an interesting prospect. Not just because it’s been five years in the making, but also because we are seeing a neurodivergent group of actors presented at a major playhouse. Ambitious, yes. Visually impressive, yes. Convoluted narrative that makes you scratch your head? Yes.

 Let’s strip this back. The play itself is commendable and from the start it’s clear you’re in the hands of dedicated performers, though you could mistake the act for an elevated am-dram. The set design is impressive and showcases a cast of neurodivergent characters and one neurotypical imposter, Joe (played by ‘Hamilton’ star Jamael Westmon). The stage does well in allowing individual space for each performer.

This production is audacious, offering an enlightening experience enriched by competent performances.

The narrative is explored with colour, but convoluted and complex, though humour is in abundance, with standout performances by the sassy Rose (Stephanie Newman), a hilariously narrated sex scene and declaration of marriage, and the deadpan musings of Anna Constable, as well as other fumbling moments from a collection of comics. Though sometimes, the punchline is left waiting in the wings.

 The strength lies in the comradery between this group of actors, who are clearly having the best time together on stage. Whilst this is a celebration of acting, exploring the realms between neurodivergent and neurotypical, the storyline is complex and a challenge to get on board with. One muses whether the technical team could have used a more multi-sensory experience and technical design to assist the cast in their thespian adventure.

 Whilst the set design was interesting, including a large hamster wheel and a truly beautiful island, we are left wondering what are their meanings in the grand purpose of the story? Still, the play poses many questions and is successful at allowing us to constantly reflect on our own sense of realities and boundaries.

A testament to the evolving and responsible landscape of contemporary theatre.

This production is audacious, offering an enlightening experience enriched by competent performances. It stands as a significant milestone in theatre's duty to embrace and mirror the diverse tapestry of the communities it represents. As an audience, we embraced and celebrated narratives that have long been yearned for, finally marking a pivotal moment of authentic representation, a testament to the evolving and responsible landscape of contemporary theatre.

 Evaluating a project of this nature warrants a distinct set of criteria compared to your typical theatre production. If the concept piques your interest, it's worth experiencing first-hand. However, it's equally fair to recognise that, viewed strictly as a stage comedy, it may be too unpolished to resonate with the casual audience member.

For bookings and more info, please visit the website