Reviewed by Giada at Bush Theatre
Speed will keep you on the edge of your seat for a gripping 90 minutes straight. Bursting with drama and adrenaline, it reinforces the adage that sometimes it's not about the destination but the journey itself. Set in a dimly lit, improvised room in the basement of a hotel in Birmingham, Tomás Palmer's design feels so right. Participants Samir (Arian Nik), Faiza (Shazia Nicholls), and Harleen (Sabrina Sandhu) find themselves in a rehabilitation-style course for repeat road offenders, intended to help them avoid losing their licenses. Much like the goldfish in the tank, they are compelled to engage in this experimental workshop conceived and led by Mr Abz (Nikesh Patel), under the promise it will change - once and for all - their reckless behaviour.
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| Sabrina Sandhu, Arian Nik, Nikesh Patel, Shazia Nicholls in Speed, photo by Richard Lakos |
Through a mix of inspirational quotes by Senn-ec-a and questionable psychological techniques that lean heavily on forced introspection, the participants are urged to unpack their feelings of anger. Every incident is reframed, challenging the societal preconceptions placed upon the drivers and revealing deeper truths behind their stories. Against Abz's own bias and racial profiling, the boss lady, the guard-up girl and the roadman emerge as much more than their external identities. Faiza has fought to carve her place in the business world, Harleen is an overworked nurse struggling to take care of herself, and Samir is a young man striving for a better future.
It's refreshing to witness three strangers genuinely opening up to each other, actively listening and engaging positively. Their chemistry is palpable, infusing lightness and joy in an otherwise heavy narrative. Their alliance is forged as they stand united against Abz. I’ve always held a degree of scepticism toward facilitators; I can’t help but wish to see them lose it. And that’s precisely what happens. While this aspect is subtly hinted at from the beginning, discovering the reasons behind Abz’s passionate, strict, and obsessive behaviour feels a bit underwhelming, perhaps due to my familiarity with the dramatic trope of past trauma driving motivation. Nevertheless, the convoluted journey to this revelation remains utterly enjoyable.
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| Arian Nik, Shazia Nicholls, Sabrina Sandhu in Speed. Photo by Richard Lakos |
Writer Mohamed-Zain Dada reunites with director Milli Bhatia after their successful run of Blue Mist at the Royal Court last season, which earned them an Olivier Award nomination. Their latest production proves once again the cohesiveness of this powerful pairing. Speed is darkly funny, sometimes absurd, and ultimately thrilling. It compels you to stop and think - so next time you honk at me cause I’m struggling to pass, I might just reconsider how miserable you are.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed runs at Bush Theatre until 17th May 2025. Tickets are available from https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/speed/
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