The Lost Library of Leake Street – The Glitch, Waterloo

Writer & Director: Oli Savage

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Beautifully Enchanting“

4.5 / 5

Tucked away on busy Leake Street is a magical library of stories, tended to by the whimsically quirky Maximillian Crimp. When schoolgirl Isla, assuming it’s a shop, stumbles in looking for a gift for her mother she instead finds an unexpected connection with the mysterious owner.

As soon as you enter the basement theatre space of The Glitch you are transported to The Lost Library of Leake Street. Fairy-lights are strewn across the room, with treasures and trinkets adorning every surface. Ronay Poole who plays Isla, also acts as a narrator of sorts, her gentle diction is perfectly entrancing, as she introduces the audience to the storyline before it starts to unfold, in the gloriously intriguing beginning. Isla quickly discovers that each object has a story attached, that manifests whenever she touches them. Initially dubious of Crimp’s (Malcolm Jeffries) revelation, she quickly begins to believe as more stories are uncovered and they realise they have more in common that first assumed.

Oli Savage’s narrative is packed with beautifully enchanting storytelling, warmth, and delightfully magical interactions. But alongside the sweet tales of overthrown bullies and true love romance, there are some devastatingly emotional moments included also – focusing on loss and loneliness that brings a sadness to the otherwise happy stories, similar to classic fairytales that are packed with pain. But as highlighted in the script itself, just because there are some sad moments, it doesn’t detract from the otherwise joyous story, which in itself, is an integral message.

Poole and Jeffries are a remarkable duo, adapting to the varying pacing of the script and multitude of characters with ease. Jeffries’ Crimp is reminiscent of a Willy Wonka type – curious and charismatic, his strange library of things sparking immediate curiosity. Poole’s Isla is full of childlike wonder and innocence, her upbeat temperament brilliantly engaging. They fit together perfectly and bring the wonderful narrative to life with the heart-warming, moving charm it deserves.

Runs until 22nd December 2025