We thought this was a good play and production, a rare hit in our view during the Anthony Clark era. Perhaps the fact that it was a West Yorkshire Playhouse import helped.
Topical then, topical at the time of writing this Ogblog piece (December 2016), the play is the story of a Ukrainian migrant worker and the exploitative gangmasters he comes up against.
Another of those plays and productions that shocked us and got us thinking all weekend. Friday evening again too, making it quite hard work after a week’s work but never mind. Janie and I had taken sustenance at Harry Morgans early evening before the play, as was our wont when going to the Hampstead in those days.
An interesting interview with the playwright Steve Waters is available – click here or below:
We’ve enjoyed his work before, not least World Music at the Donmar, which is probably the main reason why we booked to see Fast Labour.
- Michael Billington in the Guardian writes highly of it, although he is unsure about the ending – click here;
- Dominic Cavendish in The Telegraph was also unsure about the ending despite praising the play/production – click here;
- The Ham and High really didn’t like it – click here;
- Sarah Hemming in the FT describes the play as intelligent, ambitious, good but not great – which probably sums it up for me – click here.
