Invisible Me is a heartwarming comedy-drama, written by Ben Gosling, about the antics of life and love in later life. This production was brilliant from start to finish. Not only does it cover very important strong themes, but it was also very funny and entertaining to watch.
We are introduced to a trio of single, sixty-year-old working-class Londoners who are navigating love and companionship. We get to know them individually, and together; all their stories are unique but entangle together in the story. James Holmes, best known for his role as Clive in the well-loved BBC sitcom Miranda, plays Jack, a HIV+ man widowed after 35 years. Alongside Jack is Alex, played by Kevin N Golding. Alec is a divorced father, estranged from his children. Finally, there is Lynn, played by Tessa Peake Jones, the Only Fools and Horses star. Lynn is a hotel cleaner who suffered years of domestic abuse in her marriage, but is hoping to kickstart her love life. All three have dealt with difficult personal issues and are trying to reconnect with themselves and what they truly want.
Each character was unique and engaging to watch on stage. All three actors excellently brought to life these fictional characters, portraying their many layers of vulnerability and complex backstories, while also bringing in plenty of humour during their journey to seeking connection. Director Scott Le Crass and producer Joe Brown really honed in on the humanity of the characters while working on Invisible Me.
What makes this production particularly powerful is the way it addresses difficult themes that we can often shy away from in theatre and our everyday life - bereavement, HIV+, loneliness, online sex, and drug use. I don't think I've seen another play bring these particular themes in such a thoughtful but joyous way. Through the application of these themes in the storyline, lighting, staging, and humour, we are constantly reminded of the need to connect and that optimism and love overpower the darkness and hardship of life.
Invisible Me, overall, is a delightfully funny production that is insightful into the ordinary lives of an older generation seeking the challenges and joys of life. It really opened my eyes to the fact that love has no age, or timeframe, and showed that excitement and new starts can occur in later life too. It really was a thoroughly enjoyable play.
Invisible Me is playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until Saturday 2nd May 2026
Review: Cara-Louise Scott-Lapish Photo: Harry Elletson