Sunday 19 January 2020

JEW...ish - Review

Kings Head Theatre, London


****


Written by Saul Boyer and Poppy Damon
Directed by Kennedy Bloomer


Edie Newman and Saul Boyer

After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, JEW...ish has just completed a short run at the Kings Head Theatre. The brainchild of co-creators, Poppy Damon and Saul Boyer, the play is centred around the relationship between Max, played by Boyer, and TJ, Edie Newman who are trying to navigate their way through their difficulties beyond the comfort of their university’s polyamorous society. Fraught with all the problems of an inter-religious couple, TJ is determined in her opinion that Max’s overbearing family not only cannot accept her because she isn’t Jewish but also accuse her of leading Max to becoming a ‘self-hating Jew’. 

Finding most of its comedy through the pastiche of millennial culture, the script also cuts across a broad range of themes including grief, therapy, the complexities of polyamory and of course, the Labour Party’s anti-Semitism crisis. Newman nails the woke, sexually explorative, university graduate even down to her intonation which makes everything out as a question, as though she is questioning society at every turn. This is perfectly offset by Boyer’s unflappable comedic timing, presenting Max as the recognisable male archetype who is completely lost without the direction of a woman, whether that be his overbearing Jewish mother or TJ. The chemistry between the two is visceral and believable making the audience root for these two easily dislikeable characters and want to continue on their love-hate journey. 

Georgia Cusworth’s simplistic set only adds to the atmosphere, making sure the actors’ relationship stays as the main focus and allows for an incredibly creative car ride. Working within an awkward space with the audience sat at three different angles, Kennedy Bloomer and Toby Hampton’s direction ensures that the whole audience feels involved and invested in the story throughout. 

JEW…ish plays out as a Semitic Richard Curtis-esque romp through the struggles of 21st century dating with all its pitfalls and absurdity and is well worth a watch.


Reviewed by Dina Gitlin-Leigh
Photo credit: Samuel Kirkman

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