REVIEW: THE UNKILLABLE MIKE MALLOY by Luke Adamson at Bridge House Theatre, Penge 8 – 26 July 2025
‘all three actors, two of whom do a lot of witty doubling, are strong’ ★★★
Based on a true story. this unlikely romp takes us to the Bronx during prohibition and the Depression. A group of very hard up people decide to kill a larger-than-life Irish drunk upon whom they have taken out insurance policies. The trouble is he won’t die. They try alcohol poisoning through excess whisky, methanol, contaminated oysters, exposure and hit and run – among other things but he goes on bouncing back. Of course eventually they get caught and the piece is framed by two of them writing their confession in a prison cell in the hope that honesty might get them clemency.
It’s a three hander and all three actors, two of whom do a lot of witty doubling, are strong. There is particularly pleasing work from Stefani Ariza who plays the boss of the speakeasy where most of the action happens – and many other roles. She is impressively versatile. Bryan Pilkington gives a colourful performance as Malloy – mostly drunk and singing Irish folk songs – and morphs into other characters convincingly. Will Croft as Francis Pasqua is the anchor man who speaks direct to the audience and is a satisfactory foil to the other two.
Dan Bottomley’s sound design creates atmosphere and the basic set device – a sort of counter which becomes a bench and car, among other things, is neatly contrived.
It’s a lighthearted piece which Adamson has clearly had fun writing. And it’s a commendably quirky idea for a play. The trouble is that it’s meant to be a comedy and, although it’s mildly entertaining, it really isn’t very funny. Moreover at 90 minutes straight through it’s too long for its subject matter.
Photography: Cam Harle
THE UNKILLABLE MIKE MALLOY
Written and directed by Luke Adamson
Bridge House Theatre, Penge 8 – 26 July 2025
Cast
Will Croft
Stefani Ariza
Bryan Pilkington
Artistic Team
Director
Luke Adamson
Writer
Luke Adamson
Producer
The Bridge House Theatre. Executive Producers: Simon Jeal, John Handscombe, Ju Owens, David Owens, Ellie Ward, Graham Telford, Tim Connery
Lighting Designer
Luke Adamson
Sound Designer
Dan Bottomley
