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REVIEW | Jab, Park Theatre - London
- Harry Brogan
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
TW / CW COVID, vaccinations, lockdown, death, grief, domestic violence, scenes of a sexual nature and bad language.
Jab is a two performer show that depicts the relationship between a strong female NHS worker Anne, played by Kacey Ainsworth, and her husband, an owner of a vintage shop that wears funky shirts, Don, played by Liam Tobin. Both of the characters are approaching their sixties or are already in their sixties even though they don’t seem to admit it, especially the husband.
Jab follows their “collapsing journey” as they are both experiencing the lock down, one of the heaviest measures / impacts of the Covid crisis. Anne has to be working on the laptop, while she does Don drinks. They then gather in front of the TV with wine always nearby, and crisps. She is health aware while he is a stereotypical man that does not want to admit that he can be ill because he is A MAN so he is fine.
Kacey Ainsworth and Liam Tobin have a great stage presence and embodied the characters very well using some episodes of real life. Scott Le Crass' direction worked really well. Because of the format of the play, and the closeness of the audience, some scenes that are longer, because of the silences and the argument loop just felt very real. There is a naturalistic dimension to this play.
Roel Fox's staging is very efficient with four chairs that change places depending on how close the couple are, or how distant. The lighting, by Jodie Underwood, and the sound design, by Adam Langston, carry and help portray the story over to the audience, and support its increasing intensity. Some of the transitions could have been more smooth to keep the audience on the edge if we can name it that way, as overall it is a very engaging show. The audience is so closed to the stage that we have this sense of entering into the a couples space and being part of the intimacy.
James McDermott's book has Strong themes highlighting : addiction, abuse, a woman's journey throughout aging and gender equality. Women are put forward as strong and able to handle a lot on their shoulders, which Ainsworth represents very well with some comedy to the character that’s very bold, and Tobin is this sofa man that just wants to have sex because “he loves his wife”.
The theme of health, anxiety and death is more a subtext until the end. The fact that the play takes place during the Covid crisis makes it relatable and familiar. As we all know during the Covid crisis, forced people together in isolation which created strains on relationships, this is one of the main issues that is pointed out from that crisis. An additional consequence was the increase of alcohol intake, which was a subtext in the character’s behaviours especially the man.
Jab takes the impact of a global crisis and creates a relatable play and story for the audience, but also delivers the hardships of being wife and husband for more than 29 years, that are highlighted during the lockdown.
★★★★★
Jab is playing at the Park Theatre until 26th of April
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