Review: IMPOSTER 22, Royal Court Theatre

Photo credit: Ali Wright

Imposter 22 is a thought-provoking piece which enlists the audience in bearing witness to solving a serious crime. Written by Molly Davies and co-created by a learning disabled and autistic cast, the play tackles themes of stereotyping, community and identity with wit and vulnerability; resulting in a provocative yet playful piece of theatre.

Feeling the pressure of an imminent police arrest, seven friends piece together a series of events after their friendship is infiltrated by Joe, a man tackling inner struggles and searching for a sense of community. Imposter 22 is a production created from reenactments of interactions and memories, whilst navigating the barriers of neurodiversity. The wit and intelligence of the script shines through the cast’s comedic timing and delivery, and each character contributes to underlying themes of the plot with insights from the cast’s own lived experiences. We are asked to tackle the question of “what is normal?”, and at times are presented with scenes which feel purposely uncomfortable to evoke questions around levels of vulnerability and consent.

All performances are ‘relaxed’, which is reiterated by the cast at the beginning of the show, meaning the audience is encouraged to come and go as they please, which also adds to the comfortable relationship developed between the characters and audience. Stage crew and creative assistants are seamlessly integrated into the format of the show, while each character delivers their lines into microphones directly to the forum of ‘witnesses’ watching the events unfold. The simplistic staging is utilised exceptionally well and transports us to various locations in the lead-up to the crime, as told through the character’s various accounts of what they think happened. The consistent break in the fourth wall and direct connection with the audience is what makes this piece work so brilliantly; a level of self-awareness which is both comedic and poignant.

Imposter 22 is a hilarious whodunnit with a twist ending, which kept us enthralled in the character's antics throughout, whilst presenting a clear message on the power of a neurodiverse platform.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Chess Hayden

Imposter 22 plays at The Royal Court Theatre until 14 October, with further information here.