Death of England: Closing Time at Soho Place

The Death of England trilogy, which is currently playing in rep at London’s Soho Place, concludes with the aptly titled Closing Time. Unlike the monologues of Michael and Delroy, this final chapter plays out as a two-hander. It also provides perspective from previously unseen female characters, in contrast to the prominent male voices who dominate the first two instalments. 

We are introduced to Delroy’s mother Denise – here portrayed by Sharon Duncan-Brewster – along with Delroy’s girlfriend and the sister of Michael, Carly, played by Erin Doherty. The two are packing up shop for good – Denise’s West Indian café has closed down. This premise ignites the fuse that fires the awkward tension between the two, with long-dormant home truths finally being delivered in knockout blows.

Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey’s set design of a giant Saint George’s Cross synonymous with the previous parts remains – the actors utilising the expansive stage space, and occasional audience interaction feeling organic as opposed to awkward. We behold a boxing ring of sorts – each player permitted their voice before battle.

The initial incarnation of this piece at the National saw Jo Martin in the role of Denise before the actor was forced to pull out due to illness. Her brief portrayal was met with acclaim but there is the sense that for Duncan-Brewster, this was a case of divine intervention. The actor was meant for this part and offers a memorable, show-stopping performance of the highest calibre. To witness her character’s range of emotions and interactions with Carly is to see theatre gold. The script – arguably weaker than its predecessors – is elevated by her execution, and one cannot help but be moved by her delivery. Flitting from monologue to duologue, the actors are gifted hefty weight to their characters, and we revel in witnessing them both unfold. Doherty gives as good as she gets, again offering a rich depiction of a complex yet relatable character. Bitey, pithy and punchy, she contrasts well with the levity Brewster brings, and secures many a laugh in the process.

Those au fait with the previous instalments will take pleasure in certain remarks made about Michael and Delroy. It’s intriguing to see an alternative picture of the two painted by Denise and Carly. That said, this can be enjoyed as a standalone piece of theatre. Polemical and a tad preachy at times, one can forgive this because of the deeply naturalistic turns of our relatable leads.

Racism, sexism, Black trauma and the notion of cancel culture are all condensed into a flyby 100 minutes. As weighty as these themes are, there is much character-driven humour embedded to lighten the blow. With recent riots resetting our cultural landscape, Death of England: Closing Time feels as relevant and important as ever.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Helen Murray

Death of England: Closing Time is at Soho Place from 22^nd August until 28^th September 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Death of England: Closing Time at Soho Place here: