This is a site-specific piece, with audience members taking up seats at the bar, around tables and on benches around the perimeter of the space. This means Richard Bathurst is able to get up close and personal with his audience, often strolling back and forth while telling his stories, it gives the feel of catching up with an old friend. 

Keith Waterhouse’s writing does feel a little dated at times, but accurate for the person the story centres on and it feels as though Jeffrey himself is in the room at times. There is a lot of comedy, the section around the cat racing is a particular highlight and wonderfully written. While mainly a comedy play there are some moments of real emotion and a raw pain which come across beautifully. 

Bathurst wonderfully brings the character to life, embodying the aging Jeffrey with a sense of grandeur. He fully has control of the room, the audience hanging on his words even when he is not visible at the other end of the bar. You laugh with him at his exploits and feel empathy for him as he describes his trickier times in life.