REVIEW: BRICKS by Joe McNamara at Old Red Lion Theatre 28 - 30 January 2025

‘A deeply resonant piece of theatre that fearlessly confronts its themes’ ★★★★

Joe McNamara makes a powerful playwriting debut with BRICKS, a sharply observed, boisterously funny, and poignant study of male friendship and toxic behaviours, premiering at the Old Red Lion Theatre as part of their Fresh Fest. 

Set against the backdrop of a construction site, BRICKS follows childhood friends turned bricklayers, Jim and Martin. Spanning five years, it deftly explores male friendships and the blurred lines between banter and bullying, camaraderie and conflict, and delves into the lingering impact of a tragic event in both their lives.

BRICKS is an expertly crafted study of male friendship, skilfully capturing the tension and affection of two people who know each other inside out, but struggle to confront their own pain and guilt. The tightly woven script reveals events in reverse, offering a fresh and compelling narrative structure. While striking a naturalistic tone, blending blokey humour with moments of unexpected tenderness, McNamara also incorporates surreal elements, such as puppetry, which introduce an unusual tonal shift. Personally, I found this element enjoyable, though whether it enriches the play or not will vary depending on individual perspective.

Under the astute direction of Finella Waddilove, BRICKS is a joyful, touching and candid examination of male friendship. Waddilove’s direction ensures that the play never loses its emotional focus, balancing its comedic and poignant moments with impeccable precision and maximum impact.

The performances of Harvey Comerford and Joe McNamara as Jim and Martin are captivating. Comerford and McNamara have a natural chemistry, vividly and authentically portraying a long-standing and intricately layered friendship. Their performances are nuanced, complex, and full of simmering tension as the cracks in their relationship slowly emerge. 

The minimalist set design, evocative of a construction site, subtly enhances the play without distracting from the performances. Details like hints of scaffolding and scattered bricks reinforce the setting while allowing the story and characters to take centre stage.

BRICKS is a deeply resonant piece of theatre that fearlessly confronts themes of toxic masculinity, emotional repression, and the complex bonds that shape our lives. With this debut, McNamara proves himself a bold new voice in contemporary theatre, tackling difficult subjects with humour and an eye for emotional truth.

https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/freshfest.html