Night Shift – Zoo Co / Stanley Arts, London

Zoo Co seamlessly blend spoken English, BSL, visual vernacular and more as they delve into the after-hours world of night shift workers.

Night Shift

As the winter nights draw in, it’s a good moment for us to think of those who are not resting snug under a duvet, but are instead out making a living.  We rely on them to keep things functioning, to make our night out, to get us safely from A to B.  Uber and delivery drivers, emergency service and rail workers, surgeons and chefs all work late.  Others, like politicians, are always on call, wherever and whenever their constituents find them. All working a night shift, one way or another.

The premiere of Night Shift, written by Paula B. Stanic and produced by Zoo Co, is currently on at the Stanley Arts Centre in South East London.  Zoo Co, celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, excel in accessible, ensemble-led, visually compelling theatre.  Although Night Shift is written by Stanic rather than purely devised (collaboratively created), it very much fits the bill otherwise.

The way Zoo Co make their theatre different is immediately apparent.  Performed in a blend of BSL, spoken English, visual vernacular, Iranian sign language and a smidgen of French, the scenes can be experienced by hearing and d/Deaf or hard of hearing audiences alike.  The inclusion of neurodiverse and neurotypical actors within Zoo Co casts may be less immediately visible, but the intention behind Artistic Director Flo O’Mahony’s introduction welcoming us to a relaxed performance is clear.  This is theatre which represents, includes, is for and is by as many people as possible.

Vignettes Of Late Nights And Public Services

Night Shift plays out as a series of scenes or vignettes.  On a rainy night in Croydon we meet various characters out late working or living their lives.  Over the course of the evening, several stories become more enmeshed or intertwined. Others remain largely stand-alone.

The challenge, alluded to by the fact that the show’s running time has increased since initial estimates, is that there is a lot going on.  This is not a play purely about night work (and doesn’t really delve into many of the issues raised by vast preparatory research, like the health and cognitive issues related to shift work).  Nor is it purely about its other two major themes: the challenges d/Deaf or hard of hearing workers can face integrating into a hearing work environment, or the frustration felt by many, including the residents of Croydon, at the breakdown of trust in local politics. 

With all three going on at once plus some interpretative movement sequences, Night Shift is a little busy.  Perhaps this is the impact of combining a script with a devised theatre process, but whatever the reason I felt it would have benefited from a heavy hand with the red pen and the running time being trimmed back down.

Final Thoughts On Night Shift

For all that, Night Shift provides an enjoyable night’s entertainment. There are some great performances amongst the subplots, particularly Ace Mahbaz’s weary doctor and Becky Barry’s devastated train driver. The simple set of graffitied backdrop and strip lighting by Stella Backman easily evokes various urban settings. And, although it took me a while to understand the intent, I liked the way Mahbaz visually interpreted Nick Gilbert’s sound design at intervals.

Night Shift is an example of locally committed, politically engaged, inclusive and accessible theatre. Zoo Co, after trying out Wellingborough, returned home to Croydon and established their base at Stanley Arts in South Norwood. The Edwardian set up of what was originally Stanley Halls, associated with a pioneering technical trade school, is impressive. I’ve never watched theatre framed by sculptures of Justice, Liberty and Science, but could get used to it!

Having now been introduced to the work of Zoo Co and their unique Norwood home, I will be back. Night Shift was a great introduction, allowing me to delve into unexplored worlds in a safe and welcoming space.

Salterton Arts Review’s rating: 3/5

Night Shift on until 25 November 2023