Review: London Zoo at Southwark Playhouse

Viewed in an intimate setting at Southwark Playhouse theatre, London Zoo follows a dicey magazine takeover in modern-day corporate London. With the print industry in a state of transition from print to digital formats, what gives? The editorial quality? The staff? Morals? The men’s only club?

By George Maguire | Updated Mar 27 2024

A wrinkled newspaper with the headline LONDON ZOO, written and directed by Farine Clarke, is shown on a red background. Below the headline is a partial black-and-white photo of three people in business attire seated at a table. The image is cropped to hide their faces. — London Zoo

As the media mogul protagonists spar with each other to assert their dominance and pull the strings, some challenging themes inevitably emerge. We have the sexism, racism and a severe lack of empathy that is so well encapsulated in old boys club - in-group type behaviour. This doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs, does it? But it is; especially thanks to the supremely unaware and pompous of Harris Vaughan’s Christian as he dishes out advice full of deceit and privilege.

Two men engaged in a serious conversation. The man on the left is gesturing with his hand, wearing a light-colored shirt. The man on the right is holding a folder, rolled-up documents, and a calculator, dressed in a dark suit with a blue tie and nametag. — London Zoo at Southwark Playhouse

Not many will be surprised that these toxic themes are still in full flow in today’s business environment (whether consciously or not) but it feels important to experience the conniving machinations that exist within the industry elites. The Spectator Magazine hints to this “The themes of manipulation and greed are still relevant today”.

The Winner of Best Production and Best Ensemble Acting at the London Pub Theatres Awards, London Zoo is a great watch, thoughtful, stirring yet funny. Highly recommended.

Learn more about London Zoo here.

Photography by Lidia Crisafulli.

London Zoo