REVIEW: The Switchboard Project by Doubletake at The Hope Theatre until 20 Sept 2025

'places these women front and centre of their and our community'★★★ ½     

It’s 1985 and the world is grappling with the AIDS epidemic with information and mis-information, initially at least, at a premium. People are scared and confused and need help. Above a bookshop in London’s Kings Cross the newly re-named Lesbian and Gay Switchboard becomes a lifeline for those who need advice, somewhere safe to stay and, once the government promotes them following the infamous AIDS public information film, a re-assuring voice.

Referring back to the actual switchboard archives located in the Bishopsgate Institute, Doubletake Theatre blend real-life people and calls against the fear that was perpetuated at the time alongside the public ‘realisation’ that, hey, some people are gay. This melding of the historical, the personal and the general makes for a not always successful pacing of story but does leave the viewer with a clear sense of time and, simply, what it was like to be around and live through this period.

The operation of the switchboard office - brilliantly realised by the production and design team in the tiny Hope Theatre - is seen through the lens of 4 different women whose shared sexuality and purpose conflicts with their personalities and what is going on in their lives. The ensemble at play is a real strength of the piece, combined with some nice moments in the script, smart motifs and a story in which we all become invested.

Lou (standout Fatima Abdullahi) is confident and focussed, only stressing out when the phones play up and her ex Joan (excellent Megan Keaveny) talks to callers about her vagina (yes, really!). Newbie Jackie (Áine McNamara) is all bluster at first but grows into the job and strikes up a relationship with Nana (Hannah Balogun) who has been mysteriously absent for 6 months…….

All 4 actors also play callers to the switchboard and, in a barnstorming opening played against a Blondie / 80’s soundtrack, the scene is set with pathos and belly laughs. As we begin to understand more about their lives and relationships, we also get a greater sense of what is happening in the world around them and our admiration for their work and ability to understand and feel comes starkly into view.

There are some very funny moments and each actor gets their ‘moment in the sun’. Everything comes to a head in a scene where, to be honest, too much is realised and this leaves the ending to be something of a damp squib. That said, the final scene of phones ringing and calls from ‘lost boys (& girls)’ being answered re-emphasises the vital work of the switchboard - and that this kind of service is as vital today.

Much to laud and enjoy here but, for me, this is a 2 act play waiting to spring free. This would give more time to explore the 4 characters - their interactions, their home lives, their views on the world - and give greater context to lesbian history. The Switchboard Project places these women front and centre of their and our community - bravo for that.

BOX OFFICE The Switchboard Project | The Hope Theatre

CAST

Jackie

Áine McNamara

Joan

Megan Keaveny 

Hannah Balogun 

Nana

Lou

Fatima Abdullahi 

CREATIVES

Director

Molly Byrne

Sound Designer

Arianna Muñoz 

Lighting Designer

Sameer Aggarwal

Associate Director

Cassia Thakkar

Costume & Production Designer

Ella Muir

Dramaturg

Beth Wilson 

Producer

Ella Pound

Set Designer

Daniel Southwell

PR

Matthew Parker