The Sociable Plover – Old Red Lion Theatre, Angel

Writer: Tim Whitnall 
Director: Christa Harris

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Thrilling Twitching“

4 / 5

Roy Tunt has been birdwatching for years, managing to record 566 of 567 species from the British List in his trusted little notebook. The sociable plover is the only one left and the stormy conditions are perfect for a sighting – but instead of a glimpse of the rare bird, it’s instead a man in the distance that captures his attention.  

Roy (Jack Robertson) is a fastidious fellow, very particular about his surroundings and determined to make the bird-spotter’s hide a perfect spot to bunker down in. So, when Dave (Calum Lill) bursts in and disrupts his afternoon, he’s more than a little perturbed. Although the pair bond somewhat over their shared love of power tools, and the chicken paste sandwiches that Roy kindly shares, it’s still not the beginning of a life-long friendship. When Roy’s radio picks up a police signal that flags a manhunt for a wanted suspect on the run, the sighting of the sociable plover quickly becomes lower down on Roy’s list of priorities.  

Tim Whitnall’s dark comedy thriller is brilliantly engaging, the tension between the two characters slowly bubbling in the background as they get to know each other. Although there are a few points where the plot is easily predictable, it’s still enjoyable to watch unfold, especially as the intensity increases and all the loose threads are neatly tied up. Jack Valentine’s set contributes massively to the production, the scattered leaves and netting immediately setting the scene of the remote marshes.  

Robertson and Lill are a fantastic duo to pull off the nuanced script. Lill plays Dave with a messy, laddish energy, that compliments the strait-laced, anxious Roy perfectly. Both performers bounce off each other constantly, hitting each of their comedic cues, and leaning into the suspense with impressive execution. They easily and naturally extract the humour from the script, while still putting their own stamp on their characters with small mannerisms and their considered delivery of lines.  

The sociable plover might be a rarity, but Old Red Lion Theatre putting on a cracking thriller, sprinkled with dark comedy most definitely is not.  

Runs until 24th May 2025