Sophia Griffin’s debut play, After Sunday, is a clever, witty, and poignant glimpse into a kitchen at a secure hospital, where a group of residents join a Caribbean cooking group to recreate the tastes of home.
In Claire Winfield’s set – a working kitchen on a platform, an ominous black-stained sheet above, medical files and boxes underneath – food is cooked and personal issues addressed.
Leroy (David Webber) has been there the longest, and has more privileges to move around the building. He clashes with Ty (Corey Weekes) who is younger, argumentative, and holding close a lifetime of neglect and pain.
Daniel (Darrel Bailey) longs to see his family and struggles with his mental health when events abruptly change. He’s quieter than the other two, but soaked in regret for his actions.
Their group leader is Naomi (Aimée Powell), who sees the men as individual personalities rather than statistics, offering kindness and understanding. We see her outside the space as well, taking phone calls and participating in meetings.
The system, such as it is, is under scrutiny in Griffin’s text but she highlights its failings without being preachy. When a catastrophic event happens in the ward early on, she is the one to break the news with understanding and compassion.
Leroy’s story is the one that causes audience members to gasp and even, in a couple of cases, to cry. He’s done a terrible thing in his past but there may be hope and redemption.
After Sunday feels very real and demonstrates significant power. There are moments of laughter, frustration, and friendly joshing, against moments of genuine tension when we remember where we are.
Director Corey Campbell adds staccato movements and sound buzz (design by Xana) to suggest mental turmoil – the top cupboards in the kitchen also display grubby labels with ‘depression’, ‘multiple personality disorder’, etc.
After Sunday has already played at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, before coming to London. It is an assured debut from a writer who shows considerable promise.
4 stars.
After Sunday continues at the Bush Theatre until 5 Dec – tickets here (£10-£35).
Image credit: Nicola Young