An Intervention is a two-hander play written by acclaimed British dramatist, Mike Bartlett. Having premiered in 2014, it has now been given a makeover by Mop n Bucket theatre company, and is being staged at The Space Theatre, a slightly dishevelled but atmospheric former Presbyterian church in the Isle of Dogs.
This is a raw, pared-back production that puts Bartlett’s punchy script at the heart of the action in a large bare space with only a few props and the audience sitting on either side of the performers. This means that the actors occasionally have their backs to one set of seats or the other, but apart from a few moments at the start of the play, the dialogue was loud and clear throughout.
We never learn the names of the two characters whose contentious friendship unfolds over the course of the play. Known in the script as simply ‘Character A’ and ‘Character B,’ Bartlett has made it easier for the roles to transcend gender, ethnicity, age and other characteristics as the theatre-makers see fit. Mop n Bucket present us with a man and a woman, played by Neila Stephens and Tom Zachar (who also produced this adaptation), and we meet them as Person A is admonishing Person B for not joining her at an anti-war rally. Like the ambiguous characters, the full nature of this conflict remains undisclosed, but it is clear that the UK is providing troops to make ‘an intervention’ – ostensibly to prevent further bloodshed. Between each scene, the auditorium darkens, and we hear audio coverage of the ensuing war. There is, sadly, a chilling resonance here with today’s conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine that adds power to the timing of this revival.
There are many themes in this work, but at the heart of it all is the nature of friendship. The dialogue dives into this subject almost immediately, bolstered by some fourth-wall-busting commentary from each character about what they see and feel about their friend. These asides continue throughout the show but with decreasing frequency. I found this quite a useful tool to fill in the blanks of their personalities and back-stories, but one monologue in particular does rather foreshadow events to come to such an extent that some might consider it a spoiler.
As time moves on, the scenes are marked by slight changes of clothing for the characters. Their relationship becomes increasingly fractured, and their discussions heavily charged. A makes it clear that she does not approve of B’s new girlfriend, while B is clearly worried about A’s drinking habits. I found Stephens’ performance of burgeoning alcohol addiction effective and moving – and she does consume a huge amount of liquid during the show! Zachar, as Person B, gives a fairly low-key performance. I liked his emotional responses, but they were often quite subtle, and he seemed rather static compared to the more animated Stephens.
As is Mike Bartlett’s way, the play is heavy with discourse and dialogue and quite exceptionally honest characters freely sharing their feelings. I like this and found that many of the themes resonated with me. I particularly liked the way the two characters cared about each other despite the issues they were going through. Some of the references felt dated e.g., the use of Facebook by a generation for whom this is probably not their ‘go to’ software app, but so much else is universal that this can be forgiven. The final scene is powerful, emotional and yet slightly comic, which sums up the whole production.
Directed by Dom Stephens, this is a good interpretation of the play. It is for the audience to decide whether the ‘intervention’ relates to trying to stop the conflict, save a friendship, or help someone with alcoholism. For sure, there is much to consider about the loyalty and support friendship requires in an enjoyable, thought-provoking and raw ninety minutes.
Review by Fiona Gilbert
All conflict is personal. The war has taken many casualties. Will this friendship be the latest?
One of them has just been on the mass protest. The other watched a bit of it on TV.
Tom Zachar and Neila Stephens star in this touching comedy about what happens when you hate your best friend.
“Yeah it’s fun this conversation isn’t it, because we could be talking about the war or about my relationship with the mother of my child”
Mike Bartlett’s celebrated two-hander comedy about serious things returns, in a new revival from director Dom Stephens.
AN INTERVENTION
The Space Theatre
26 to 30 August 2025
