REVIEW: THE BEST PINTS at The Hope Theatre 22, 23, 29 & 30 January 2023

Chris Lilly • Jan 26, 2023

‘a show that makes its points well, that isn’t afraid to be sentimental’ ★★★ ½

 

Three friends are sat in their usual seats, in their usual bar, drinking their usual beverage, and telling stories, as usual. Then one of them decides to mix it up. ‘Tell us about the best pint you’ve ever had, only tell the truth.’ It’s hard for all of them. They have the sort of long-standing relationship that’s built on tall tales and banter, and never showing much emotion in case your mates mock you for it. And each of them tells a story that rings true, and that indicates the things that really matter to them, even if it’s an occasion when they can’t pretend to membership of an international crime syndicate.

 

It's a sentimental show, and it’s posited on the belief that the toughest, blokiest blokes are butter-soft at their core, but it is a show that makes its points well, that isn’t afraid to be sentimental, and that works through humour and well-observed character.

 

Jack Gallagher, the writer, probably never thought it was a play to set theatre on a new course, but it’s a very pleasant way to spend the evening, and the three actors create characters it’s nice to spend the evening with.

 

Continuing at The Hope Theatre, Islington on Sunday 29th and Monday 30th January. https://www.thehopetheatre.com/productions/the-best-pints/

 

 Reviewed by Chris Lilly

 

Chris read Drama at Hull University in the 70s, stage-managed a bit, spent 8 years as a community arts worker in Tower Hamlets, did the occasional tech job, then taught in East London and participated in shedloads of community theatre. Since retiring from teaching, he has acquired an MA in Theatre from the University of Surrey and indulged a passion for live performance anywhere in London courtesy of his Freedom Pass.

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