REVIEW: CHECKOUT at Lion and Unicorn Theatre 2 - 6 July 2024

'Engaging and entertaining one woman show' ★★★

Lucy’s mum can’t understand why she has a job at the local Co-op. After all, she has a degree in English Lit from a decent university. Why isn’t she doing something proper like law or journalism? We discover that Dave, her manager, reeks of Lynx Africa and has a greasy quiff. Belinda, another colleague, is a passive aggressive, pain in the ass, the work is humdrum and the customers, stupid. So, what is Lucy doing here?

Written and performed by Kitty Evans, this Gen Z journey takes us through one young woman's decade-long unresolved trauma as she attempts to control her anxiety. Some use drugs or alcohol to deal with difficult emotions but for Lucy, it’s the supermarket that brings routine, safety, and stability. But what is she doing here, cowering in the aisles, and dealing with expired sandwiches?

Evan’s skilful writing draws audiences into a prosaic story where on the surface, not much happens but there are clues as the drama unfolds. One person shows can put performers in a uniquely vulnerable position and if it doesn’t work, an hour can be agonisingly long.  But with neat direction from Safia Lamrani and atmospheric technical input from Grace Millie, this hour is well-paced, funny and textured, full of contrast and shifts in storyline and emotion. 

As Evans confidently recreates an entire cast complete with hilarious accents and physical characterisation, we wander around her persuasive, conflicted, messed up head.  With effective use of narrative lighting and sound, we move through bars, nightclubs, and casinos.  Lucy sometimes indulges herself with imaginative reveries that might involve her fighting with local cats or being in game shows. We learn of her past and look to the future as Lucy faces her fears and starts to grow.

Checkout, by Pistachio Theatre, Associate Artists at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre, is an entertaining and engaging one woman show, an hour well spent that will make you curious about the hidden lives of those we encounter daily.

Box Office: What's On — LION & UNICORN THEATRE (thelionandunicorntheatre.com)