Written by Becky K for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own

In a tense one-act thriller, Russell Tovey’s one-man performance in Chloë Moss’ stage adaptation of The Guilty is totally gripping. Directed by Punchdrunk Artistic Director Felix Barrett, the play follows a night shift on a 999 call desk in real-time, with unnerving twists and turns throughout the story.

The narrative follows police control room operator Joe (Russell Tovey), who is alone throughout the play. It’s revealed early on that he is awaiting trial the following day. You know he’s done something, yet the narrative takes a turn when Joe receives an emergency call in a life-or-death situation; he has to work with the fragmented pieces of information he’s receiving to try and save a life.

Tovey is fantastic in what is an emotionally demanding role. With all his dialogue taking place over phone calls, Tovey captures the behaviour of a person frustrated at work, yet frightened in his personal life. From exasperated sarcasm on calls with people wasting police time, to desperate urgency when a life is at stake, Tovey displays a true rollercoaster of what an hour can look like on the call desk.

Alex Eales (set designer) and Anna Watson (lighting designer) craft an isolating atmosphere for the police control room. Dim, cold lighting, mixed with the setting of a lone desk and computers draped in plastic sheets, creates a feeling of loneliness that matches Joe’s circumstances. Likewise, the impressive sound design by Gareth Fry builds tension throughout the play. A constant pulsing background noise, interrupted by phone calls and alarms, almost forces you to share the anxiety of Tovey’s character.

While you sometimes have to suspend your disbelief, Barrett proves himself a master of immersion. The mixture of his direction, Moss’ sharp text, and Tovey’s performance makes for a show that you simply cannot take your eyes off. Without giving away any spoilers, there is a huge twist at the end, which further reinforces the skill of the production and restores belief in the power of theatre.

Performing at the Donmar Warehouse until 15th August, The Guilty is a gripping, hour-long show that will have you hooked.

★★★★

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