DISPOSABLE

Union Theatre

★★★★★

“finds a way to provide the powerless with a voice in this epic performance”

“At what point does someone have so many flaws, that they can no longer be considered a good guy?” This is the question that Lucy knows that she must ask her friends when their housemate, Jacob, is accused of something awful. The situation is stark enough; Megan, Lucy, Sam and Will suddenly find themselves living with someone who has been accused of rape. The idea seems ludicrous; such awful crimes are committed by terrible people a long way away from the safety of their university house. However, when a bombshell revelation brings the sickening horror of the situation into their own home, the friends are forced to confront something worse than they could have imagined.

Disposable delves into the lives of a group of university students, but more specifically, focusses on the dark path that awaits many young people. Rapidly changing societal norms have turned modern dating into a chaotic, fast-scrolling experiment in connection, something that is so craved but so often seems out of reach, leaving a feeling of being disposable. Social media provides constant comparison between the highlights of other people’s lives and the reality of our own, fuelling the shallow, performance-driven arena that university nightlife can be. These are critical themes, and it is vital that they are given this platform to be laid bare, but these serve as a prelude to the most important subject matter of the play: consent and the guilt and blame that victims feel after the event.

The play is a difficult watch, at times, owing to the darkness of the topics it dares to confront. In the UK, 82% of women over the age of 18 have been sexually harassed, leaving no clearer indication that there is something that we are getting wrong as a society. Becky Bond, who both wrote the show and also plays the role of Megan, courageously tackles these issues and leaves nothing off the page with this script. This feels like a plea to society’s reluctance to have difficult but necessary conversations. The writing is spellbinding throughout, with the mood of the play delicately maintained over the whole performance.

Arguably the most consequential character in the play is Jacob, the man at the centre of these accusations. Jacob is a popular but boisterous individual who thinks that being a “straight, white man”, makes him a target. In most of his interactions, he is so normal that it seems impossible to reconcile him with what we hear. We will all either know or have met people like him. Paddy Lintin is remarkably convincing in this role, demonstrating an incredible emotional range.

The remaining characters Lucy, Sam and Will (Amaarah Roze, Sukey Willis, William Huk) give us further insight, but from the perspectives of friends rather than perpetrator or victim. The endless regret and hurt of those close by is palpable. The direction (Elodie Foray) to extract all of this power from the story is special.

Disposable finds a way to provide the powerless with a voice in this epic performance. There may be no more timely and important show to go and see, with bigger things surely awaiting this masterful production.

DISPOSABLE

Union Theatre

Reviewed on 7th November 2025y

by Luke Goscomb

Photography by Noelle Vaughn

DISPOSABLE

Beige

Studio – The Vaults

Reviewed – 25th February 2020

★★★★

“It’s about acceptance, being brave and celebrating all our loves and differences”

When Alex was seven their mum told them about their auntie having a scan to see what sex the baby was. Alex asked if they could have a scan too, to see what sex they were. This tender gender play follows Alex through tough times at school, friendship with their wonderfully sweary mum, love, loss and confusion. Alex , played by Em Thane is brilliant as a mixed up teen, trying to hold their own in a school that doesn’t protect them, and a young person with a life that is made hard by cruelty and wilful misunderstandings. Dean, played by Jahvel Hall calls Alex his girlfriend. He doesn’t know how to behave with them and keeps getting it wrong. His confusion is painful, because he cares. The teacher can’t/won’t use Alex’s pronouns, constantly misgenderng them and blind to the hurt it causes. But Mum Lila is a star, protecting her child with fierce love. Jordan Whyte is really relatable as Lila, not a tiger mother but a lioness, and the scene where she takes on the teacher, played by Sukey Willis, who also plays Erin, is a powerful portrayal of a mother refusing to take any shit as she schools the teacher in how to behave. It made me want to cheer. Erin is a breath of fresh air, and I loved their kooky take on life.

The action is interspersed with Alex taking a microphone and talking about their life. It’s a bit stand up and a bit storytelling, and it really works. Anna Wheatley’s writing sings, never teachy, always feeling real. Ica Niemz’ simple, versatile set is clever and effective and sound and lighting by Brain Rays and Hector Murray paint the atmosphere and delineate the scenes well. At times it was hard to hear the dialogue when the sound was louder and a train passed overhead, but it’s a minor point.

Beige is about finding out who you are, being who you are. It’s about acceptance, being brave and celebrating all our loves and differences. Anyone offended by some very hearty swearing will probably not like it, which is a shame because it’s really rather good.

Tag Archives: Sukey Willis

DISPOSABLE

★★★★★

Union Theatre

DISPOSABLE

Union Theatre

★★★★★

“finds a way to provide the powerless with a voice in this epic performance”