We take a look at what is being said about the world premiere of Mohamed-Zain Dada’s play.
WhatsOnStage: ***** “Speed is exactly what the title suggests – it’s fast-paced, intense and thrilling, but it also makes time for reflection, which we can appreciate. Once again, Dada and Bhatia have successfully created a production that is powerful, hilarious and thought-provoking.”
The Guardian: **** “This follow-up, directed by Milli Bhatia, cements Dada as an audacious new talent. Misrepresentation and anger against racial stereotyping lies at its heart of it, although you would not know it from its deceptively light setup.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “Speed may allow one of its assemblage to catalogue society’s ills: treehuggers, potholes, and restaurant small plates amongst them. But the play itself is a genuine, always-engaging surprise: 80 clearsighted minutes, no interval, that cross the finish line with ease.”
Everything Theatre: ** “While the cast deliver strong performances and the script has real moments of genuine spark and wit and a story to tell, Speed struggles to find its lane.”
All That Dazzles: **** “Tackling issues around racial profiling, biased views, and views against one’s own community, Speed manages to not be too preachy, not overwhelm its messages with humour, and not let those same messages sap away the enjoyment.”
Beyond the Curtain: **** ” Speed is darkly funny, sometimes absurd, and ultimately thrilling. It compels you to stop and think – so next time you honk at me cause I’m struggling to pass, I might just reconsider how miserable you are.”
West End Best Friend: *** “The play walks a careful line between introspection and comedy. Some jokes don’t quite land in the first half, and there are moments where it feels hesitant to fully commit to its darker themes. Still, the sincerity of the performances, coupled with sharp observational writing and thematic relevance, make this a highly watchable production.”
The Stage: ** “Mohamed-Zain Dada’s overstretched story of stereotypes and simmering anger, directed by Milli Bhatia, takes too long to switch into high gear.”
Lou Reviews: *** “Although there are some solid ideas here about racial profiling, driving behaviour, and human weakness, Speed drifts without a focused aim to its inevitable conclusion. It considers our approach to authority, success, and convention but could benefit from a touch more absurdity.”
The Reviews Hub: **** “Pace-wise, the dialogue crackles but plot-wise, it’s a bit of a slow burner. However, when the surprises do veer out of nowhere in a psychological, emotional and cultural collision, no one leaves unscathed in this sharp and contemporary comedy of manners.”
Broadway World: *** “There is a lot of potential in the production. The script is sharp and funny, the chemistry between the characters is palpable and the themes intriguing, but an almost farcical descent into chaos and a highly unlikely conclusion takes away from the audience fully believing in the production.”
Speed continues to play until the 17th May.