REVIEW: THE GUEST by Stephanie Jacob at Omnibus Theatre, Clapham 8 – 26 April 2025

‘heartwarming, humorous and challenging’ ★★★★★

Has anyone ever considered the possibility of being forced to leave behind the home you know and love, and migrate to another place, due to global warming?  Well, this play homes in on that nightmare, giving full vent to what we might hope is only paranoia. 

Whilst there are many heartwarming and humorous moments in the show, it is also challenging and quite frightening. Set in England, It imagines a future world when global warming is forcing people to move further north, at the same time migrants are continuing to come to the UK by boat. The story focuses on one couple, and one woman who has fled her country, perilously taking the journey by boat with her young daughter. 

We meet the late middle-aged couple, Ricky and Joe, outside in their garden with its beautiful vine. Not only are they concerned with the rising temperatures but are disconcerted when a young woman, a migrant appears. Having fled from an untenable life-threatening situation, she is trying to make a home for herself and her daughter in the Uk and is seeking a friend. The relationship between the trio is cleverly built in a series of stories, imagining different scenarios. In some the couple are welcoming, in others indignant, or scared. The young woman is sometimes looking for a friend, at other times confused and often desperate, but she is always dignified. 

The show has been developed in collaboration with migrant organisations and people with lived experience of migration, and the aim is to ask, ‘what happens if you welcome the uninvited Guest?’  It doesn’t shy away from the fears that people harbour, nor does it fool us that people are perfect, or that suspicions are necessarily invalid. Ultimately it shows a common humanity. It’s an in depth look from the perspective of these three particular characters. 

The actors are exceptional and each one of them has a very meaty role. Although the play shows each situation as a story in itself, the characters retain the same personality throughout and the through line of the story also gives a wonderful coherence to the piece.  Writer Stephanie Jacob takes the role of Ricky.  Her script is very characterful, giving the actors a wonderful chance to show off their skills. Jacob is delightful in her role, showing considerable charm and a playful relationship with the husband. Graham Turner plays Joe, as another warm character, supportive to his wife and having a very believable breakdown (in one of the scenarios) when he realises that he doesn’t know what to do in the face of the overwhelming situation of huge numbers of migrants appearing in Britain. It’s a very relatable moment. 

Now, to Erica Tavares-Kouassi who plays Hannah. She doesn’t have the broad experience of the other actors (who have done everything from RSC, National to film and TV) but she is a superb choice for the role. Having seen her twice before in very different roles, she is a very fine actress, clearly able to adapt herself to the character, yet always riveting to watch and a powerful presence. 

Finally, to the staging (designed by Christianna Mason) which has neat ways of bolstering the story through symbolism. Branches from the vine become loose and break away as the heat rises. The garden is surrounded by a low wall, which works so well in exploring its many meanings, used here as a barrier, or as security and also to show the huge social impact of inviting people to come in. 

The piece is certainly not preachy, it just reaches out and gives new perspectives on the migrant situation. Turning it on its head and imagining being that person who finds themselves in the horrific situation of needing to leave behind the home they know and love.   

Photography: Héctor Manchego

THE GUEST presented by Cockahoop Theatre

Written by Stephanie Jacob 

Directed by Lucy Richardson

Omnibus Theatre, 1 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 0QW

BOX OFFICE https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/the-guest/ 

Cast

Erica Tavares-Kouassi

Hannah

Stephanie Jacob 

Ricky

Graham Turner 

Joe

Assistant Director

Ayal San

Producer

Fabio Santos

Production Manager/Lighting Designer

Imogen Senter

Set/Costume Designer

Christianna Mason

Sound Designer

Gareth Swindail-Parry

Stage Manager

Gill Wood

Engagement Producer

Chi

Communications Manager

Héctor Manchego

Photographer/film maker

Henri T

Technician/Lighting and Sound Operator

Naomi Shanson