Review: Double Act at Southwark Playhouse Borough

22 Mar

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)

Nick Hyde’s Double Act, currently running at Southwark Playhouse Borough, is a compelling and heart-wrenching exploration of mental health and the oppressive expectations of masculinity in modern society. Directed by Jef Hall-Flavin and performed as a two-hander by Hyde himself alongside Oliver Maynard, the play follows the intended final day of a man who has planned to take his own life, a decision set against the backdrop of London’s intimidating and often alienating world.

The protagonist, an unnamed 28-year-old man, is played by both Hyde and Maynard simultaneously. This dual portrayal allows the audience a direct window into the character’s internal conflict. The two actors’ shared presence on stage effectively represents the conflicting thoughts and emotions that constantly swirl within the protagonist’s mind. In addition, the actors also take it in turns to portray all the other people he interacts with throughout the day.

The beauty of the play lies in how it uses humour and physical theatre to confront its darker themes. Hyde and Maynard, through clowning, inject moments of levity that balance the more somber subject matter. This interplay of comedy and pain serves as a powerful commentary on how humour can often mask the true depth of a person’s emotional turmoil. The clowning is playful at first, but as the play progresses toward its conclusion, the actors remove their makeup, and with it, the facade of humour. The shift is masterfully executed, with the performances laying bare the raw emotional weight the protagonist is carrying.

The play’s exploration of masculinity and self-worth is poignant and timely. The protagonist’s encounters with various London archetypes, such as a high-flying finance worker and an attractive stranger on the tube, highlight the pressures placed on men to meet societal expectations, whether in terms of success, appearance, or confidence. These encounters intimidate and make him feel inferior, pushing him further into isolation.

Nick Hyde’s script is both funny and touching, finding the delicate balance between humour and deep emotion. Hyde and Maynard’s performances are both equally impressive, with both actors seamlessly transforming into a range of characters between returning to embody the main character. Their versatility in switching between roles, often in an instant, is a testament to their skill.

Double Act is a deeply impactful and thought-provoking production that skillfully navigates the complexities of mental health, societal expectations, and masculinity. Through a blend of humour and emotion, it creates a space for reflection on the pressures many face in silence. Hyde and Maynard’s performances bring the story to life with both sensitivity and wit, offering a nuanced portrayal of a man at the breaking point.

Double Act runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 5th April 2025.