After Sunday by Sophia Griffin has finally hit London — and we're so glad it did.
Inside the ward of a mental health facility, three men wrestle with complicated relationships, both with each other and within themselves. They are guided toward reconciliation and recovery by what feels like the one person truly fighting for them. But will they accept this support, or will they slip into being forgotten?
After Sunday balances comedy and drama, heartache and laughter — and it's compelling to watch. Sophia Griffin's naturalistic writing makes these characters feel authentic; we recognise a brother, an uncle, a father, an aunt, a sister. This sense of truth is lifted further by the performances of Aimeé Powell (Naomi), Corey Weeks (Ty), Darrel Bailey (Daniel), and David Webber (Leroy).
Standouts include Claira Winfield's kitchen set, which becomes the arena for the characters' clashes. The cold, clinical space is offset by African flags and decorations the characters have added, giving the set its own personality. Director Corey Campbell deserves credit for his pacing and use of physical transitions, which not only move us between spaces but also hint at the figurative ties between characters, almost like glimpses of their inner fears and desires. Xana's sound design, with its off‑stage voices, adds an unsettling edge — the final touch to an absorbing evening of theatre.
After Sunday tells its story with clarity while handling a sensitive subject with care. It shines a light on the struggles faced by Black men living with mental illness, particularly those from the Midlands — a topic rarely explored on stage. Yet the story reaches beyond that, speaking to something deeply human and universal.
So grab a loved one, hold them close, and head to the Bush Theatre. After Sunday is running until 5 December.
Review: Kenndrick Horton Photos: Nicola Young