A nurse, a delivery driver, an entrepreneur, and a speed awareness course facilitator walk into a hotel basement...
What sounds like the start of a joke turns into something much more serious in Mohamed-Zain Dada's new play Speed, now showing at the Bush Theatre.
Four strangers are stuck in a speed awareness course. They've all collected too many points on their licenses.
As the day goes on, what starts as boring classroom exercises quickly heats up. Hidden feelings bubble to the surface.
Speed runs until 17 May at Bush Theatre, with tickets starting from £15. Book via their website.
Behind the wheel
Nikesh Patel plays Abz, the course leader who's trying to help the three drivers with their alleged anger management issues. He seems in control at first, but we soon learn he has his own troubled past with road rage.
The three 'speedsters' all shine on stage.
- Shazia Nicholls plays Faiza, a business owner with plenty of attitude.
- Arian Nik is Samir, a delivery driver who's more thoughtful than he first appears.
- Sabrina Sandhu completes the trio as Harleen, a nurse who's not afraid to speak her mind.
None of them want to be there. None of them think they need help. But as they start sharing their stories, we see why they really ended up in that room.
Under pressure
Director Milli Bhatia and writer Mohamed-Zain Dada worked together before on the hit show Blue Mist. They create a tight, tense atmosphere where you can feel trouble brewing.
The stress ball exercise becomes a clever way to get the characters to reveal their true feelings, with each squeeze releasing more than they intended to share.
The play looks at stereotypes and profiling, with references to the 2024 UK riots woven into conversations about how certain communities are viewed both on and off the roads.
Exclusive discounts for residents
The Bush Theatre is the home of new writing. Named Theatre of the Year 2023, it's known for bold plays that make you think.
It's another great reason why H&F is rapidly becoming the new theatreland, with world-class venues right on our doorstep. Subscribe to our What's On newsletter for monthly updates and exclusive discounts.
