Review | Left My Desk at the New Diorama Theatre
See what we thought of this new, gritty play filled with tenderness and humour
By Steve Brown
At only 55 mins in length Left My Desk is a short, sharp and highly effective glimpse into the world of social care somewhere in the North of England.
This is a world of budget constraints, infuriating administration blocks, harrowing cases, personal sacrifices and regular burn out of employees.
However, as grim as this may sound Olivia Hirst’s highly engaging script offers moments of tenderness and fabulous humour.
Rianna Dearden takes on the central role of Senior Social Worker Becca. Her case load is high, wages are low and the intensity of her work bleeds into her marriage.
On a daily basis she sees drug addiction, delinquent children, unfit parents and general despair. You can’t help but wonder why? What drives these people and how on earth do they keep sane? We watch as Becca struggles with all of this and more in a production that looks at the human face of social care.
Part of the power lies in the fact the production is based on testimonies of social workers and the charity Frontline.
This is political theatre however there is no danger of it ever being a heavy handed mouth piece of the writer. Nearly all actors play multiple roles and they bring sensitivity, humour and humanity to each character.
With only three white desks and three large panels this is theatre without the bells and whistles – but with a cracking script and strong acting it is all the better for it.
There is lovely work from Rachel Hosker as a drug addicted mother, Jamie Samuel as the quietly unassuming and supportive husband with wonderful dead-pan delivery, Jennifer Daley as the leader of the social care group exudes understanding and knowledge and Dearden is effective as a woman on the brink in impossible circumstances.
Don’t be put off by the sometimes depressing subject matter. There is comedy, pathos, life and laughter in this important piece of work which portrays social care workers for the un-sung heroes that they are.
Left My Desk plays at the New Diorama Theatre, London, until June 16.
Rating: 4/5
Words by Matthew Hyde
Photos: Scott Rylander