Writer: Rachel Fenn
Director: Lydia Mcnulty
Roam Theatre company’s founders, Rachel Fenn and Lydia Mcnulty, bring Night Shift to the Drayton Arms, delivering an evening of thought-provoking comedy.
The arrival of graduate Nadia at Supersave creates turbulence in the otherwise peaceful night shift team. Rocking the boat with questions about the future of colleague Jay, her entrance into the supermarket threatens to disrupt the equilibrium Simon has so painstakingly crafted. As the two butt heads, Jay is left to look at his life and ponder its stagnation. Night Shift deals with people’s work/life balance, the aspirations and disappointments of life, and the class divide.
Helder Fernandes is a wholly believable Jay, completely convincing the audience he is a man watching life pass him by, dedicated to the quotidian pursuit of stacking shelves. Katherine Thomas as Nadia and Tom Whittaker as Simon are both good and make the audience laugh throughout. Assistant Director Nia Powell comes on briefly as Sara, the new girl, but the bones of the production are the three main actors, whose natural chemistry lets the audience believe they really are coworkers on a night shift.
The costumes are simple, as is the setting. Neither needs to be extravagant, as the play in its entirety takes place in a supermarket cereal aisle. The stage is above the Drayton Arms pub, and works well as a venue. The team supposedly had a week to prepare together and made good use of the short time. The scenes are punctuated with impromptu dance numbers that feel a little bizarre, perhaps an attempt to appeal to the TikTok generation.
Night Shift is a comedy that has elements of drama and tragedy interwoven throughout. The trio manages to discuss self-harm and existentialism before bringing you back for more comedy.
Runs until 25 April 2026
