Port City Signature – The Hope Theatre, London

The Hope Theatre reopens with Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller’s noir thriller Port City Signature.

Port City Signature

Let it be a warning to us all not to miss an evening train in a strange place, you never know what you’ll get mixed up in!  At least if you fall into the noir world of Port City Signature, a new play by Nathaniel Brimmer-Beller.  On at the Hope Theatre in Islington, this is a playful and sharp example of the genre.  In a mysterious, almost nameless town, a woman (‘Newcomer’, Meg Clarke) enters a quiet pub. After meeting the owner (‘Regular’, Paddy Echlin) and bartender (‘Lady’, Katherine Lea), she very quickly finds herself enmeshed in an unquestionably dark and mysterious plot.  How will she proceed? Who should she trust?  Are the stakes worth it?

Brimmer-Beller co-directs his work with Phoebe Rowell John.  The production is engrossing and effectively staged.  The pub setting is immediately believable and familiar (design by Hannah Williams), with very little distinction between it and the audience.  We are right up close to the action, in other words.  If that means the motivation for some movement seems to come from sightlines rather than intent, that may be an acceptable trade off. And there is altogether plenty of action to see: plots, guns, sex, and a sherrif who is none too benevolent (David Carter).  The familiarity of the noir genre combined with a few twists and turns makes this quite a fun play, especially with characters and dialogue who find the humour in the darkness.  Echlin’s jaded saloon owner is a particular highlight, delivered in an easy and natural style with great comic timing.

Like other works I’ve seen recently, Port City Signature requires a healthy suspension of disbelief.  The story ultimately wouldn’t stand up to an extended analysis. Nor is there much in the way of character development or back story.  It is only 70 minutes, after all.  But as an homage to noir it’s well-executed, and as a piece of theatre its an enjoyable watch.  This is the first play at the Hope Theatre as it reopens. If this is the calibre of work to be seen here, it bodes well. See it before it finishes on 14 October.

Salterton Arts Review’s rating: 3.5/5

Port City Signature on until 14 October 2024.  More info and tickets here.