The Endless Hotel was one of the most unusual performances I have reviewed. It was nothing like I had imagined beforehand, having read the blog in advance. The show was designed to immerse the audience in a dreamlike state, and to me, it felt reminiscent of a Grimm’s fairy tale being told just before bedtime. Unlike the sugary sweet Disney adaptations, Grimm’s fairy tales possess a darker edge, and The Endless Hotel continues in this tradition, presenting a narrative where good ultimately triumphs over evil, though not without twists and the loss of a character along the way (no spoilers here).
Omnibus Theatre, an intimate space in trendy Clapham, South London, provided the perfect setting for this performance. The auditorium was filled with an enthusiastic and lively audience, comprising a broad age range, from children upwards. Although I had initial concerns about suitability for younger audience members, these proved unfounded as there was no inappropriate language or scenes that were overly frightening—except, perhaps, when the lights were lowered. The show included some audience participation, and the sixty-minute runtime seemed to fly by.
The piece was devised and performed by Weaver Line, a real-life music duo from East London. Their name is inspired by one of London's newest overground lines. Sally Horowitz and Benjamin Way (Weaver Line) delivered The Endless Hotel with a minimalist set and just four props: a broom handle, a sparkly scarf, a hairy jacket and a reversible cloak—challenging anyone reading this review to imagine how these could fit into the story. The narrative and action unfolded alongside their live music, with Benjamin (portraying both Brad and Rowan) showcasing a fingerpicking guitar style that enriched the songs and provided a distinct timbre, beautifully complementing the unfolding scenes. Sally, who played Myra, the heroine, contributed a melodic voice and performed on keyboard which picked out many of the nuances of the story. The combined musicality of Benjamin and Sally drew the audience into each emotional moment.
The show was made even more poignant by the fact that Sally lives with a hearing disability, an experience that was woven into the storyline. This element was brave and invited the audience to reflect on the challenges of hearing loss and the misconceptions that can arise when information is missed, fostering empathy and understanding.
Set in the all-inclusive ‘Endless Hotel’, the story follows guests who are encouraged to dream, whether relaxing in the lounge with entertainment from the resident host and compere, or retreating to their rooms. However, like any good fairy tale, all is not as it appears—raising the question of whether guests ever truly leave.
Ultimately, good prevails, and the audience responded with enthusiasm. The performance left everyone able to return home to their beds and sleep soundly, where we can indulge in dreams as hopeful and enchanting as those we could experience in The Endless Hotel.
One night only.
Reviewer - Penny Curran
On 12th October 2025
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