REVIEW: FISH BOWL @ PEACOCK THEATRE

🎭 Fish Bowl

📍 Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London, WC2A 2HT

🗓 Wednesday 28th January 2026

⭐️ 2 Stars

A GREAT CONCEPT SUNK BY POOR EXECUTION

As a fan of physical comedy and farce I really wanted to love this. After hearing about it's success as a Molière Award-winning comedy. I headed to the Peacock Theatre with high hopes for a night of brilliant physical theatre. Unfortunately, while the premise of three eccentric neighbours in attic apartments is a fantastic concept, the actual experience left me feeling quite cold.

The most disappointing element for me was that for a show billed as a comedy there was a distinct lack of laughs. I personally only laughed once throughout the entire 85 minute duration. Much of the physical comedy felt incredibly drawn out. A particular sequence set to "Happy Together" seemed to go on forever, losing its momentum long before it reached a conclusion.

It's not all bad news however. The set design is undeniably clever, transforming the stage into a vertical slice of Parisian living that feels both cramped and ingenious. The lighting design also deserves to be applauded for how it enhances the chaotic atmosphere as the neighbours' lives collide.

But theatre is subjective, and while the technical elements were strong, the execution of the comedy just didn't land for me. It felt like a great idea that desperately needed a tighter edit to keep the audience engaged.

It's such a shame because this could have been so good, but I couldn't help but willing it to end as I started to find it tedious. That being said, there's no denying the talent and commitment of the cast who really gave it their all.

Part of the issue could have been that the show seemed to be designed for a smaller venue. I was sat in the circle and felt a distinct disconnect from the piece. I noted that most of the laughter I heard came from the stalls making me think that others around me were feeling the same. I wonder whether I'd have felt differently if I were sat closer, as this show is the sort of thing I should love.

If you're interested in checking out FISH BOWL and making your own mind up then performances continue at the Peacock Theatre until Saturday 31st January. Click here for 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 reviewer.  

My ticket for this performance of Fish Bowl was gifted by Chloe Nelkin Consulting 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. 

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour 25 minutes, with no interval

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