How am I doing today? By Georgy Pleece at the Old Red Lion, 19-21st October 2026

‘built nicely to an horrific end’★★★ ½

The Old Red Lion is known as London’s most haunted theatre; now scattered with cardboard boxes, post-its, invoices, receipts, the remnants of the corporate world avalanching onto the stage, if it wasn’t haunted before, it certainly is now! Two corporate looking gentlemen begin this play with an upbeat hip hop style dance, coming together to address the audience with arresting questioning. We settle into the story: Leonard (Alexander Mcgonagle) is a customer service assistant for an online retailer. He answers the phone all day, every day and right now, his ratings are low. Desperate to pass his probation and unable to get through to his ridiculous manager, Fergus (Georgy Pleece), Leonard turns to darker forces for help, finding brief solace along the way in a sweet romance with his colleague Kelly ( Phoebe Mercer).

The cast were a dynamic trio, the piece was well rehearsed and excellently paced.

Mcgonagle’s Leonard was completely believably pathetic beside Pleece’s remarkably idiotic Fergus and Mercer’s Kelly was a welcome dose of normality. Her portrayal of Jerry from HR later on in the piece, however, was a materclass in mocking toxic masculinity. Director Elizabeth Huskisson navigated different worlds and realities skilfully - the story was surreal, funny and constantly surprising. Movement director Stephanie Burrell had coordinated dance sequences seamlessly, creating contrasting atmospheres with ease. The piece was very cleverly written by Pleece, combining charming slapstick reminiscent of The IT Crowd with a creepy and depressing allegory for the futility of the capitalist ‘grindset’. 

Voiceovers of various customers were used throughout the piece, largely humorous and relatable. The three actors had created believable characters and these linked in satisfyingly with the story. At times I felt that the links between the real world and the corporate machine - always stylishly suited and sunglassed - were slightly weak and didn’t help further the story as others before them. Nonetheless, the impossibility of happiness in modern day corporate life was made very clear and built nicely to an horrific end. What could be scarier than failing your probation in our current job market?

How am I doing today? at the Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse, Islington

19-21st of October, part of Grimfest

https://weareoldred.co.uk/whats-on/grimfest/how-am-i-doing-today/

Written by Georgy Pleece

Directed by Elizabeth Huskisson

Production Design by Emily Louise M. Somerville

Sound Design by Ilia Higgs

Movement Direction by Stephanie Burrell

Stage Management / Technical Operation & Design by Ayla Pengelly-Moore

Produced by Elizabeth Huskisson & Georgy Pleece for Sort Sol Theatre

Photography: Lizzie Husky

Review by Grace Boag-Matthews. Grace is a writer and actor based in London. She trained at the Oxford School of Drama and L’Ecole Philippe Gaulier.