Jab Play at Park Theatre: A Darkly Comic Look at Love, Lockdown, and Loss
The Covid pandemic changed the world in ways we are still trying to process. But amidst the statistics and headlines were real people, real relationships, and real struggles. Jab, a powerful new play by James McDermott, brings these intimate stories to life with dark humour and sharp social commentary. Running at Park Theatre (Park90) from 2nd – 26th April 2025, this dark comedy promises to strike a chord with audiences who lived through those isolating times.
A Marriage Under Lockdown in Jab Play
Starring Kacey Ainsworth (Grantchester, EastEnders) as Anne, an exhausted NHS worker, and Liam Tobin (Boys From The Black Stuff, National Theatre) as Don, her conspiracy-loving husband, Jab Play throws us into a marriage on the edge.
Forced into lockdown together, Anne and Don struggle to maintain their long-established routines. What starts as minor bickering soon reveals deep-rooted frustrations. As their nearly 30-year relationship unravels, they must confront difficult truths. Set against a world in crisis, Jab Play explores gender roles, domestic violence, misinformation, and the limits of love. Despite the tension, it delivers biting comedy that keeps audiences laughing.
A Critically Acclaimed Hit at Park Theatre
Originally premiering at the Finborough Theatre in 2024, Jab Play received high praise. It secured OffWestEnd Award nominations for Best New Play, Best Director, and Best Duo Performance. The upcoming run at Park Theatre is a homecoming for playwright James McDermott, whose Time & Tide was staged there in 2020. Scott Le Crass, fresh from directing the West End transfer of Rose starring Maureen Lipman, brings his emotionally charged storytelling to this production.
McDermott describes the play as “loosely based on my parents’ lives during the pandemic.” He wanted to give voice to the struggles behind the statistics. While Jab Play is deeply personal, its themes resonate universally. Anyone still processing the emotional impact of the lockdown will relate.
Why You Should See Jab Play at Park Theatre
If you love theatre that challenges and entertains, Jab Play is a must-watch. With strong performances, sharp writing, and a compelling story, this production will be one of 2025’s most talked-about plays.
Performance Details
📍 Where: Park Theatre (Park90), Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP
📅 Dates: 2nd – 26th April 2025
🎭 Press Night: Thursday 3rd April, 7pm
⏳ Running Time: 75 minutes (no interval)
🔞 Age Recommendation: 16+
💷 Tickets: £25 – £15 (standard), £9.50 (access), £10 (Park Up for ages 16-26)
🎟 Archive note: The Park90 run took place from 2–26 April 2025; booking details are retained as historical context.
📖 Related Reads: Time & Tide at Park Theatre | Other Must-See Theatre Shows in 2025
Will you be heading to Park Theatre to see Jab Play? Let me know in the comments I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🎭✨
other shows seen recently at Southwark Playhouse Borough ScissorHandz
