The Truth About Harry Beck at the Cubic Theatre at London Transport Museum

Could you imagine travelling around London’s Tube network without the neat pocket-sized TfL map? The colourful guide may not be used as much now in its paper form as in PDF and app versions, but the design – voted in 2006 as one of Britain’s top three favourite designs of the last century – remains unbeatable for its clarity. The map – better referred to as a diagram, given it’s not a graphic reproduction of the intricate lines as per their geography – was first drawn by Henry C Beck. Its creator, though, hasn’t been acknowledged as such until recently, and also much of his copyright was lost due to the Blitz and inadequate record-keeping. However, Mr Beck’s legacy is clear and so tightly connected with the development of TfL communications that his story has finally come to light. After extensive research and the reading of original letters, Andy Burden crafted a script that runs just over an hour, offering a straightforward and dynamic portrayal of how the project came to be.

The play features just two performers: Simon Snashall, playing Harry Beck, and Ashley Christmas as Nora Beck, with Christmas also taking on various small roles as needed. The narrative explores how the enterprise started and developed, including three rejections that shaped Harry’s life. Most importantly, it illustrates how the pair inspired, supported and challenged each other. While Snashall masters expressions, Christmas is engaging and truly uplifting in lots of moments.

Both obsession and tenderness are the play’s cornerstones. The performance captures the precision of Beck’s work, as well as the warmth and care that drove his relationship with Nora. Puns abound and the little game of timelining invention is also a delightful touch. The evolution of the diagram is treated with playfulness, conveying the craft of the creative process behind a profession that today may seem outdated (particularly in the AI era) and obvious (now that the many Tube lines are common knowledge and almost anyone, from any part of the world, is more used to public transport and interchanges in the big cities).

The setting is left simple and is also very colourful – the backdrop remains consistent, with the addition here and there of props such as posters and suitcases. The breaking of the fourth wall fosters a connection with the audience, although, at times, it feels a little forced, like an overly easy ploy to deliver entertainment.

Since its opening over 40 years ago, the London Transport Museum theatre’s space is now honouring its original purpose: hosting dramatic performances. Though the show might initially seem too niche for a general audience, it offers a deep dive into a lesser-known part of history and an insight into the meticulous and passionate work of the man (and woman) behind the map that revolutionised how passengers navigate the city.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Mark Douet

The Truth About Harry Beck is at the Cubic Theatre at London Transport Museum from 14^th September until 10^th November 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.