THEATRE REVIEW: Scab - The White Bear Theatre, Kennington, London.

An hour and fifteen minutes of a one-man show performed by Conor Lawson, written by Jamie Biddle, and directed by Luke Stapleton. All of whom are becoming established on TV, stage, and screen. Look out for them  – this is an example of a new wave of modern ideas and I am sure they will soon become household names. This play was originally written as a 15-minute short episode that has evolved over the last couple of years into the metamorphosis of  'Scab'. It has ridden out the storm of Covid to arrive with a bang at the White Bear in Kennington. An intimate little venue with lots to offer.

A storytelling of life events and the people you stumble upon. Do you help or do you walk past those in need? A good Samaritan story turned on its head. What chain of reactions happen when you let strangers into your life? A story of sadness, loneliness, old age and youth, wounds of the past and dreams for tomorrow.

Two needy people find each other. Neither knew that they needed each other. Brutally honest and real. A play for the modern world and a London audience that may not be used to seeing the harsh realities of life. It is hard to write the review without telling the story. We never find out the name of Lawson’s character, but during the journey he takes on other pseudonyms including Doc and Julian.

The story makes you think about the people that you pass every day and never think about, the people who live next door but do not really care about, the people we interact with who know nothing about us. Some people are lucky and find a soul, no matter how distasteful, who is somehow drawn to them. It gives people a sense of belonging and a sense of home. Occasionally something different happens and the world we know is turned on its head.

This is true monologue style with the wonderful and confident Conor Lawson brilliantly telling his story. He can flit very quickly from one train of thought to another: from one accent to another. He interacts with the audience – much easier to do in such an intimate setting as this. He looks you in the eye and asks you to confirm his views or to join him in a drink. Little did I know that the bit where he showed me the splinter in his hand would be integral to the story. The way he spoke and the way he dressed gives you a clue to the character that he inhabits. Oh, us sad people who stereotype based on appearance. The ins and outs and twists of the story pull you in to the unexpected. Lawson our northern anti-hero, is fantastic and keeps us fully engrossed for the entire 75 minutes.

'Scab' is set on a small and remarkably simple stage with very subtle lighting changes throughout according to the mood of the dialogue.

A last nod here to mention Encompass Productions who have supported and produced this little gem. 'Scab' is their 34th production in a 12-year life. A London based company that supports and promotes new writers, plays and actors.

The White Bear is a great little theatre with a restaurant and bar downstairs. Book yourself in early, as I did, and have a bite to eat before the play. There is lots happening in this venue and many productions taking place. If you live in and around south London, get down there and Kennington Underground station is opposite, so it is easy for anyone to get to.

Reviewer - Penny Curran
on - 30.4.22