Gareth's Culture and Travel Blog

This impressive first play by Kieran Knowles is set in Sheffield 75 years ago, during intense German bombing targeting the city of steel, crucial to Britain’s munitions production. It tells the true story of four men trapped in a cellar under the rubble of collapsed hotel and it does so effectively and grippingly.

In addition to the scenes trapped underground, we hop back and forth to learn more about their lives and about their city. It moves quickly between scenes, giving it great pace and energy, in Bryony Shanahan’s simple staging. It reminded me in style of early John Godber, though not a comedy like almost all of his work. Without distractions, both the story and the characters shine through. With the help of Dan Foxsmith’s sound design, there are moments when you jump, continually reminding you of the event at the heart of the play.

The four actors – Salvatore D’Aquilla, Paul Tinto, James Wallwork and the writer himself – give passionate performances and there’s a very satisfying organic feel to the ensemble scenes when they seem to move as one. They often engage the audience in direct eye contact so you feel they are telling you their story personally.

This is the return of a 2013 find by the Finborough, a theatre which has a great knack of finding new plays and new playwrights. I’ve no doubt we’ll be seeing more of Kieran Knowles the playwright.