Review: Stalled at King’s Head Theatre

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)

It’s always a pleasure to visit the King's Head Theatre, a venue that recently underwent a renovation in 2024, marking an exciting new chapter for what is the oldest pub theatre in London. When I first read about Stalled, I was immediately intrigued by the premise. Stalled is a musical set in a ladies’ bathroom in Seattle, where we meet the bathroom attendant, Maggie, and the women who visit the bathroom and learn about their stories. What I didn’t expect, however, was how emotionally powerful this show would be. Be warned - you’ll want to bring a packet of tissues!

At the heart of Stalled is the theme of motherhood, explored through a diverse set of female characters. We meet grieving mothers, daughters feeling abandoned by their mothers, and mothers who struggle to understand their daughters, alongside daughters who worry they will either disappoint or become just like their mothers. The exploration of these complicated relationships, through them crossing paths with Maggie in the bathroom, is a brilliant concept and it’s executed fantastically, with each encounter in the bathroom revealing layers of emotional depth and vulnerability.

The standout aspect of this production for me was the performances, especially from Lauren Ward, who delivers a raw, heart-wrenching portrayal of Maggie. The other performances are equally impressive, with each actor bringing nuance and empathy to their roles. I couldn’t fault a single performance, nor the direction from Vikki Stone, which deftly navigates the emotional intricacies of the show.

The design, by Emily Bestow, is also great. The King's Head Theatre's intimate space is used cleverly, with cubicles lining the back wall and a central island for sinks that provides a clever illusion of mirrors. This simple but effective set allows the characters to interact with their reflections, both literal and metaphorical, throughout the show. It’s a beautiful way to highlight the self-examination that occurs in these characters throughout the show.

The songs (by Andy Marsh, Kyle Puccia and Liesl Wilke) enhance the emotional storytelling of the piece. They do a great job of expressing the characters' inner lives and advancing the plot. However, I found that in the 90-minute runtime, the number of musical numbers sometimes led to scenes between them feeling rushed or stilted, as if the dialogue was squeezed into short intervals between songs. I’d love to see this production expanded, allowing more room for the characters’ dialogue and for their stories to unfold at a more natural pace.

In summary, Stalled at the King’s Head Theatre is a beautiful, emotionally powerful musical with stellar performances. It’s a production that resonates deeply, and while the pacing could benefit from more space between the musical numbers, this is a show that I really enjoyed.

Stalled runs at King’s Head Theatre until 23rd March 2025.

Photos by Johan Persson