No Man’s Island, The Big House, stage review: ‘A script so authentic it’s like watching a documentary’

‘A unique window into a very different world.’ Photograph: Dan Corbett

I’m blown away by this show.

The biggest compliment I can pay The Big House charity’s production of No Man’s Island is that when you watch it, you assume all the performers are professional.

Set in a semi-industrial bare brick space, within the charity’s own location, the play is a totally immersive experience.

You’re literally seated in a London pirate radio station in Hackney along with the cast. The emotional story revolves around this. It’s original, inventive, funny, powerful and utterly compelling.

The raw energy of the performers pulsates like the awesome music, and whether or not you’re a fan of rap, you connect with the characters’ common goal of wanting to get ‘out of the valley’, ‘the pit’, the housing estate. You’re right there with them.

The songs are performed with every ounce of their being as the cast tries to entertain and educate their loyal radio audience and one another.

The multimedia presentation is also very clever, as is the use of the microphone that takes up permanent residence in the space, ready to be picked up and used at any time as songs, frustrations and dreams are belted out.

It’s a proper ensemble piece where everyone gets their moment to shine. And boy do they!

When you learn that 70 per cent of the performers were in ‘care’ and have come to the charity as a chance to heal, to create and share their considerable talents, it’s humbling and mind-blowing in equal measure.

There was a searing truth at the heart of it all that was triumphantly selfless. It’s not about the individual, it’s about the group. It’s about family.

It’s obvious that all the actors have put their own life experiences into these characters and the script – a script so authentic that sometimes you feel like you’re watching a documentary.

Their views of the world come from the heart and are ones you will rarely see expressed in traditional media.

‘All the characters have their moment, they are all brilliant.’ Photograph: Dan Corbett

It’s a unique window into a very different world, very different backgrounds, yet totally relevant to today. It was so truthful that I wanted to applaud so often, but I couldn’t interrupt the action. I had no choice but to stand in admiration at the end and give them all an ovation.

All the characters have their moment, they are all brilliant. All stars.

Much of the action is superbly held together by the senior ‘father character’ who inspires all around him, his children and the community alike.

The power of the ensemble is brilliantly underlined by a poignant cameo by the character with seemingly the smallest role, Mute. As his name implies, he’s quiet for most of the play, but when he finally speaks, it’s funny, moving, a joy – just like this whole production.

As I write this I’ve heard that top acting agents are snapping up a couple of the performers. I’m not surprised and it ensures that this Big House charity production really does have a happy ending for those taking part.

What an incredible initiative that deserves all the success and plaudits coming its way.

I live nearby and yet had never heard of this charity until recently.

The Big House is the brainchild of artistic director Maggie Norris and she tells me they have been doing work like this for 10 years and consistently uncovering new acting talent, whilst mentoring these young people along the way. No wonder they are on the radar of top acting agents.

I didn’t know anything about them before, but I’m definitely a fan now of both their principles and their work.

This production just needs to be transferred to a bigger space and a larger audience so more can enjoy it. I am writing this review in the hope that it can help to spread the word and make that a reality.

Go see it now while you can and also meet some stars of the future.

No Man’s Island runs until 3 June at The Big House, 151 Englefield Road, N1 3LH.

Book your tickets here.

Colin McFarlane is an acclaimed actor whose credits include The Dark Knight film trilogy and TV series Torchwood.