Theatre review: “What You Risk”

Does it ever feel to you like our current political climate shows how little we have learnt from history? As well as how easy it is for our society to make the same terrible mistakes again and again?

That was the feeling I was left with yesterday after I enjoyed the play “What You Risk” as shown at the Bunker Theatre, London Bridge (gifted).

Set in London in 1936 and 1980, ‘What You Risk’ explores the threat of the Far Right as it rises across Europe and the plight of refugees and immigrants, desperate to find safety and shelter on our shores. The play follows four women, mapping out the foundations of their lives, where their beliefs came from and follow their experience as they clash with their families and childhood friends, find and lose lovers and discover how far they will go for what they believe.

Despite the historical setting, the subject matter felt chillingly relevant to modern day, I feel this was highlighted by the choice to have the same four actors play many different roles. The smooth move from Jewish refugee to far-right leader was jarring but emphasised the humanness of us all. The ugly truth is that those with hateful ideas are not monsters, they are our neighbours, our friends, our family.

At times I did struggle to follow the timelines and who the characters were but this didn’t prevent me from following the overarching story. I particularly enjoyed the character of Diana Mosley, a woman whose role in UK fascism is often glossed over. As indeed is much of the fascism from the time in the UK. 

I know a little about the far-right at that time but I learnt a lot, I think my friend struggled more to follow all parts of the story as she was less familiar with the context.

The story of the far-right, its victims and those who stood against this hate is often a male one, so it was refreshing to hear stories of bravery and sadness, friendship and hatred from a female perspective and an all-female cast.

The Bunker Theatre is an intimate venue, well suited to the subject matter. Such an emotional topic doesn’t need many props or scenery. Though it may have benefited from a slightly more sound-proof backstage as one actor, unfortunately, had a bit of a coughing fit behind the scenes towards the end of the play.

Overall, an emotional and well-acted play that prompted much post-play discussion.

As the far-right gains a hold once again across Europe, this play asks the audience “what are you going to risk to stand up for what you believe?”  

Written and Directed by Charlotte Ive, co-founder of Scrawny Cat Theatre

Cast: Holly Barbour, Amy Beckett, Anna Chessher & Laura Smithers

Musician - Chiara Raicovi

Producer - Lauren C Bevan

Assistant Director - Brigitte Adela

Next performance: Thursday 23rd May - Tara Arts, Earlsfield