Review: 1927 - PLEASE RIGHT BACK, Southbank Centre
Photo credit: Andrew Perry
Please right back by 1927 is a wonderfully weird treat for all ages. Combining dark comedy with a poignant commentary on the prison system, it balances humour and heartbreak. This dark comedy feels eerily close to home, offering a biting critique of the penal system and its impact on the families of incarcerated individuals. Through its clever storytelling, the production sheds light on the emotional toll of separation and the flawed, often oppressive structures that claim to help but perpetuate intergenerational cycles of harm.
True to 1927’s distinctive style, the show integrates live action and animation with unmatched cohesion. The result is an immersive, storybook-like experience reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s darker tales, brought vividly to life on stage. With this production, 1927 reaffirms why they are at the forefront of blending multimedia with theatre.
The story centres on siblings Kim (Chardae Phillips) and Davey (an animation who interacts with the live actors), whose father, Mr E (Stefan Davis), is supposedly on a mysterious and thrilling mission. His letters recount fantastical adventures, igniting their imaginations and lifting their spirits. However, it soon becomes apparent that their father’s true situation is far more sombre, and the children must confront a harsher reality. As the line between fantasy and truth begins to blur, Kim and Davey grapple with a messy, complex understanding of their world.
Like many of 1927’s productions, the show draws inspiration from children’s experiences, echoing themes of revolution and change seen in their earlier works such as The Animals and Children Took to the Streets, Roots, and Golem. This youthful lens brings urgency to its message, offering a hopeful yet critical exploration of societal systems.
While the pacing occasionally falters, Please right back ultimately delights as a whimsical family story with a meaningful core. The cast, all accomplished multi-rolers, deliver strong performances. Chardae Phillips as the teenage daughter Kim is outstanding, bringing warmth and innocence to a young girl finding her voice in a world where it can finally be heard. Jenny Wills portrays the struggling mother with subtlety and grace, while Lara Cowin as Sally shines in her biting parody of authoritarian absurdity and conservatism. Stefan Davis charms in every role, injecting energy and heart into his performances.
Visually, the production is stunning. Paul Barritt’s film, animation, and design are flawless, seamlessly blending with the live action to create a world that feels both fantastical and grounded. The technical elements, costumes by Sarah Munro and sound by Laurence Owen are executed to perfection, amplifying the story’s impact with a style that feels nostalgic, noir-esque but also utterly unique.
Despite its occasional lapses in pace, Please right back is an inventive and heartfelt piece of theatre. It’s a family-friendly delight with a poignant edge that speaks to the resilience of children and the enduring hope for change.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Stephanie Osztreicher
1927: please right back plays at the Southbank Centre until 5 January 2025, with further info here.
Age Guidance: Recommended for ages 10+
Content Warnings: The show includes themes of incarceration and family separation, as well as light swearing.
