The Truth About Harry Beck
As a Londoner, using the underground system is a daily occurrence and it's easy enough to navigate. But it wasn't always that way! Especially for tourists and those trying to figure out how to get around.
A new play "The Truth about Harry Beck" is a heartfelt tribute to the dedicated man who designed the Tube Map (or as he will remind you, it's a diagram as it's not geographically accurate).
Harry or Henry (as no one quite knows) Beck was played as a highly intelligent and down to earth man, played by Simon Snashall who devoted most of his life to his diagram. Snashall's characterisation was delightful and reminiscent of classic sitcoms which was refreshing to see on stage. By his side the whole time was his wife Nora, Ashley Christmas, who was more than a loving wife.
While the plot is fairly simple, though this is very cleverly addressed in an opening gambit, it's simply about a man who draws a diagram. However nothing is truly that simple as it is more an exploration of a couple in love with an affinity for learning when things were invented and dedicating time to something that matters. This fact finding makes for some very fun and engaging scenes even involving the audience in a ribbon-based recreation of the underground diagram. This scene also featured a spontaneous quiz with the audience on their tube knowledge and some fantastic improvisation from the cast.
Written and directed by Andy Burden, the book is inspired with a great amount of care and research having gone into this biopic of Mr Beck. While some details were included with artistic license, the outcome is a delightful 65 minutes spent in the London Transport Museum's own theatre, the Cubic Theatre. Burden utilises the space and intimate venue well and created an incredible pace. Lines were delivered quickly while leaving time to slow for emotion or leave space for comedy. Burden's direction was enthusiastic for the script and skipped along the lines wonderfully.
Set in the couples home, designed by Sue Condie, the set mirrored Beck and his passion by being sleek, effective and practical. As were the costumes, which were as expected but served their purpose well.
If nothing else inspires a viewer to see this show, go exclusively for Ashley Christmas. While succeeding as the loving housewife, she excels in comedic timing and vocal talents while multi rolling. Every accent and voice was completely distinctive, unique and entertaining. A complete delight to watch and someone who deserves to live on a stage.
This TFL based play was a Thoughtful, Funny and Loveable diagram of theatre that was educational and enjoyable. A great laugh for all the family.
This show was reviewed on the 18th September 2024 at the Cubic Theatre, London Transport Museum where the show runs until the 10th November 2024. Tickets available here: The Truth About Harry Beck | London Transport Museum (ltmuseum.co.uk)
Review written by Ryan Lenney
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Mark Douet
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.