Cul-de-Sac at Omnibus Theatre Review
Written by Eleanor for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content Warnings: Includes strong language, discussions of topics such as racism, sexual identity, suicide and death.
Cul De Sac is a new play written and directed by David Shopland. The overall structure of the show is reminiscent of a classic sitcom, with all the action taking place in the living room of couple Ruth (Shereen Roushbaiani) and Frank (Ellis J. Wells). We are then quickly introduced to neighbours Marie (Lucy Farrett) and Simon (Callum Patrick Hughes), who enter the home for mundane reasons but are forced to remain with more serious motives. With the ensemble rounded off by local man Hamza (Behkam Salehani), the group shifts from being hilariously awkward to revealing hidden depths, which leave each of them affected by the time they come to leave.
As characters congregate in the living room in different groups or pairings, they each bring different energy and help drive the plot forward. Many of them have exaggerated traits that added to the humour, especially when mixed with the polite awkwardness of strangers being stuck together in one space. I particularly enjoyed the references to real-life aspects of living in a small community, like the mentions of local spats, Facebook group debates, and the issue of streetlights in the neighbourhood.
The contrast between Marie, whose speech and movement were quite over-the-top, and the more grounded Ruth worked very well. Their dynamic brought a natural balance to the scenes. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of more subtle humour, such as Marie constantly handing out flyers for the upcoming fête. At first, the later introduction of Frank and Simon was slightly overwhelming as they both came across as larger-than-life characters. However, as the play progressed, the performances settled into a more believable rhythm.
Even from the beginning of Cul De Sac, where humour is the focus, there is a sense that there is a darker turn on the horizon. The way this is introduced in Shopland’s writing is expertly done, with each character revealing hidden depths and complexities. It was surprising, but welcome, to see thoughtful discussions around topics like race, grief, sexuality, and religion in a setting like this. These themes were handled in an accessible, digestible way which elevated the story. The play made me laugh, but it also had feeling. The final scenes with Ellis J. Wells as Frank and Behkam Salehani as Hamza were beautifully written, brilliantly acted, and particularly powerful. I was genuinely moved.
That said, the plot began to lose me a little toward the end. The tone became a touch too serious and moments of comedy, particularly from Simon, felt out of place. The show worked best when scenes were shorter and the balance between humour and drama was clearer. A more even tone would strengthen the final act. Similarly, some transitions between scenes felt slightly awkward. The opening of the second act felt disconnected from what came before.
Cul De Sac is a thoughtful and often funny exploration of what happens when people are forced together and forced into suburban life. While the tone could be more balanced in the final act and a few transitions feel very uneven, Shopland’s mix of humour and emotional depth was very compelling – with the amazing performances only strengthening the play further.
Cul De Sac is playing at Omnibus Theatre from the 27th May – 14th June 2025.
★★★★
