Masterclass – Jack Studio Theatre, Brockley

Writer: Tim Connery
Director: Luke Adamson

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Funny & Poignant“

4 / 5

Some say acting is all about fully becoming the character, others say it’s just remembering the lines and reacting to the scene at hand. With two actors at a masterclass debating which is the right method, can they put their ego and different opinions aside to find some common ground?

Gary Brock (Kurt Lucas) was a child star back in Australia, but after being burned with an off-screen death and limited opportunities coming his way, he decided to make the move to London, with the hope of reigniting his career and making it big. But, despite his intensive training and immersive method acting approach, he’s struggled to make it past the offers from dodgy adverts and pub fringe theatre roles. Roger Sutherland (Alex Dee) on the other hand is well known in the industry – nominated (and winning) many awards over the years for his leading roles in classic Shakespearean productions. With years of accolades and notoriety under his belt, the last thing he expected to be doing was teaching adhoc acting classes at a primary school, but with the taxman knocking at his door, and years of wisdom to impart, he hopes he’ll be able to have an impact on at least one other budding thespian.

Tim Connery’s two-hander is brilliantly performed by Dee and Lucas, the characters opposing personalities fantastically portrayed. Brock, on the surface at least, is shown as cocky and unbothered, frustrated by Dee’s winding tales from his career. Sutherland is judgmental and dismissive of Brock’s modern methods, his years of experience internally trumping Brock’s young success. But as they slowly get to know each other, their relationship blossoms and their guards come down with honest, genuine conversations and wonderfully believable chemistry.

The first half of the play is very funny, with snappy, natural, dialogue and enjoyable interactions, with both Dee and Lucas timing each comedic remark perfectly. The second half takes a completely different approach, leaning into an unexpectedly emotional, poignant narrative thread that touches on a whole realm of touching themes. From memory, ageing, feelings of failure and death, the subjects are heavy and intense, but they’re approached with such sensitivity and tenderness that the production never feels bogged down in sadness, with credit to the writing, acting and Luke Adamson’s direction for ensuring that the importance of the themes still land, while keeping the enjoyable, engaging tone consistently apparent throughout.

A strong show that in itself is somewhat of a masterclass, that will have you laughing and dabbing away tears with equal measure.

Runs until 24th January 2026