REVIEW: CONCRETE @ THE HOPE THEATRE

🎭 Concrete

📍 The Hope Theatre, 207 Upper Street, London, N1 1RL

🗓 Thursday 2nd April 2026

⭐️ 4 Stars

A SOLID FOUNDATION

There is something undeniably electric about stepping into the upper room of the Hope and Anchor. It's tight, it's raw, and it's the perfect pressure cooker for Ché Tligui's debut play CONCRETE. Tligui gives us a modern-day nod to Ibsen, but strips away the Victorian starch - replacing it with working-class Northern charm and wit.

The story centres on Tristan and Craig, who are trapped in a cycle of secrets and the crushing weight of expectation. It's a domestic drama that feels lived-in, focusing on the friction between staying put and breaking free. I wasn't sure at first on the exact nature of their relationship. Were they brothers, lovers, or friends?

From the jump, the world-building is spot on. The heavy rotation of Richard Ashcroft on the soundtrack doesn't just set the mood; it anchors the soul of the piece in a very specific kind of Britpop-infused Northern bravado. Combined with the specific era of the mobile phones used on stage, you know exactly where and when you are. It's those tactile details that make a period piece (even a recent one) feel authentic.

The real heartbeat of this production, however, is the acting. Joe Stanley is, quite frankly, a revelation. His face is incredibly expressive - a roadmap of every emotion the character is experiencing. You don't just watch his performance; you feel the internal collapse with him. He is matched beat-for-beat by Callum Burns, who delivers an equally strong performance that keeps the tension simmering.

As for the script, Tligui's writing is largely engaging and sharp. It's a strong first outing. However, I'll be honest - the engine took a while to turn over with what I felt was quite a slow opening, and I did find myself craving a punchier, more definitive resolution when the lights went down.

Now, you know me - my brain is a bit of a magpie for details, and once I notice a "glitch in the Matrix" I hyper-fixate! There were a few creative choices that had me scratching my head. At one point, Tristan leaves his desk to start folding clothes right in the middle of a high-stakes conversation. It felt totally disconnected from the urgency of the moment. And then... the car seat. Seeing an empty car seat on stage without even a doll inside to simulate a baby? It's a small thing, but it breaks the spell. My brain just wouldn't let it go!

But look, maybe that's just me being picky. At it's core, CONCRETE is a solid piece of theatre. The lighting and sound are punchy and professional, and the set design perfectly replicates the era, and the council-flat aesthetic.

The sheer calibre of the acting makes this a must-see on the London Fringe circuit right now. It's a very positive debut for Tligui, and I'm keen to see what he builds next.

CONCRETE continues performances at The Hope Theatre until Saturday 11th April. Click here to check availability and to book tickets.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Concrete was gifted by A Fly on the Wall Productions who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Joe Stanley as Craig; Callum Burns as Tristan

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour, with no interval

AGE GUIDELINES:

18 +

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