At Last – Lion & Unicorn Theatre, Kentish Town

Writer: James Lewis & Alexander Knott
Director: David Brady

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Tense & Timely“

4 / 5

A 10 year totalitarian right wing regime has bought the UK to it’s knees. It started out innocently enough – the introduction of a new ID card, restrictions on websites and harsher punishments for criminal activity. But if you’re a law-abiding citizen, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about, right? In reality, the measures were a slippery slope to total governmental control and a quick, harsh withdrawal of people’s rights. Told as a series of interconnecting monologues, the characters have finally been given a chance to speak up and give their side of the story.

A scarily timely show, At Last packs a punch and never relents from delivering the intense, politically charged narrative. There are a variety of viewpoints from those involved, the well-spoken lawyer (Nicole Elizabeth) who is desperate to uncover the truth, an activist (Kim Scopes) who quickly saw the potential damage the Government were enforcing, an office worker just trying to do his job (Dominic Farrow) and the callous magistrate (Tim Larkfield) who takes great pleasure in making an example of law-breakers, no matter how severe the crime. Closer linked, is mother Marie (Demelza O’Sullivan) who is heartbroken after her two sons Danny (Curtis Talbot) and Jack (Adam Halcro) get caught up on opposing paths, threatening to rip her family apart forever.

James Lewis and Alexander Knott have crafted their script so that there is never a moment of rest, contributing to the unyielding intensity as the monologues flick from one to another. The fast-paced, but well-crafted delivery of each story maintains the exciting, yet due to the nature of the script, often uncomfortable energy throughout. As the violence ramps up and community disconnect gets even stronger in the show, the tension remains palpable, even after the regime dies down and everyone is left to rebuild. David Brady’s direction is sharp and snappy, keeping the audience on the edge just as much as the characters. The set design is minimal, with the occasional video projections (such as the government video introducing the ID measures) adding a brilliant layer of realism.

Every single cast member gives fantastic conviction within their stories, but Larkfield is especially incredible in his portrayal of a cold, heartless official, a unnervingly believable and recognisable performance. Talbot is another stand out, and is fantastically gripping, showcasing a rollercoaster of emotions as his aggression turns to regret later in the narrative. Elizabeth’s measured authority makes her a brilliantly grounding character, that helps to balance out the varying opposing monologues. A powerful show fizzing with intensity throughout.

Runs until 13th September 2025