The Consultant – Theatre 503, London

Writer: Neil Fleming

Director: Geoff Church

Reviewer Lexie Morris

The Public Reviews Rating:

Having eventually located the Theatre503 in the depths of Battersea, we settled down into the small auditorium for the splendid performance. The Theatre503, located above the Latchmere pub on Battersea Park Road, is the smallest theatre to have been honoured with a Lawrence Olivier Award and a host of other gongs, which is an impressive record. With a cast of four in a pub theatre it is easy to have preconceptions, but the writing was well crafted and gripping, and a few simple sound effects transported the audience from the UK to the South of France and back again.

The play, written by a former journalist and energy and editorial consultant, focuses on Hugo Shackleton’s need to rescue his dying company and turn it around. He enlists the help of a Consultant James Brown, played brilliantly by Pip Donaghy. Brown’s sharp wit and fiery temper inevitably lead to a few problems but they also entangle excellently in the web of relationships and tricks, both in the character’s business and personal lives. Shackleton’s story is a familiar one, especially in this financial climate, and it was interesting to see a strong male lead with obvious weaknesses.

The cast worked well together, with very strong performances from James Wilby as Hugo Shackleton, Pip Donaghy as James Brown, Sian Webber as Claire Shackleton and Helen Millar as the long-suffering Nicola Patchett.

A thoroughly enjoyable and witty production, with excellent, thought-provoking performances from all cast members.

Runs until 16th April