REVIEW: THE LAST MAN at Southwark Playhouse Elephant 8 May – 13 June 2026
‘The UK is (finally) waking up to the glories of Korean culture.’ ★★★★
A woman retreats to a bunker in Seoul as a mysterious virus spreads throughout the world, a premise which has more plausibility post-Covid, although we have not yet experienced the zombie apocalypse like in The Last Man.
This play was very successful in Korea and this is the first production in England. It is a one person cast where the actor alternates each night. Lex Lee takes the role for half the run but this night it was Nabi Brown. The play starts with her retreating into her bunker, or rather her banjiha (a semi-underground flat). Although a one person play, Brown is not totally alone, there is a four-piece band visible above the stage. The music (Seungyeon Kwon) is lively and the band are fantastic, it is always good to see live music in a musical at a smaller venue. The songs (book and lyrics Jishik Kim) drive the action along and have some dark humour.
The survivor has supplies for a few months but as these run low the mood darkens. The play has plenty to say about the difficulties of self-efficiency and sustainability, as well as the isolation and brutality of modern capitalism. The end of the world does not save you from the demands of landlords and bailiffs. Brown is excellent in the title role. It is a lot to carry the whole piece, but the songs mean there is variation, and with Daljung Kim’s astute direction the play never feels monotonous.
The UK is (finally) waking up to the glories of Korean culture. Whether it is film, Netflix series or music, quality Korean works are everywhere at the moment. So it is great to have this thought provoking, quirky and unique play on in London.
Playing at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant until13 June BOX OFFICE https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-last-man/
THE LAST MAN Book & lyrics Jishik Kim, music Seungyeon Kwon, dramaturg Jethro Compton. Directed by Daljung Kim. Presented by NEO, Inc.
photography by Rich Lakos
