Review: Green, Old Red Lion Theatre

Green has several meanings – naive and young, sappy and not ready to burn, and last but not least “GO” rather than “STOP”. Meg Schadler’s new play Green in a variety of ways covers all these aspects and how! First of all there is the palpable energy of this talented young outfit all starting out in their professional careers – Schadler moved here from the States and Green is her London debut, returning to the Old Red Lion after a successful outing at FreshFest in February 2025. Young director Benedict Esdale, and up-and-coming composer Stamatis Seraphim cleverly create a world where our two actors, Matthew Heywood (Jude) and Noa Nikita Bleeker (Zoe) can shine. There is a vibrancy and freshness about this whole production that has obviously benefited hugely from keeping the same team from its previous incarnation – we are in very safe hands, great dialogue, energetically and confidently delivered. Heywood and Bleeker work superbly together, get across all the humour that is to be found when the green Jude, with his ideals, comes up against the brutal reality of the music business, personified by Zoe’s cynicism. Schadler has created a cracking script, encompassing the agony of choices in love and career that makes for a winning evening.

We are backstage at the start of a gig, where the star’s girlfriend is checking up on her media profile, soon to be joined by young Jude, whose burgeoning solo career has had a big break by becoming the support act for Ben. Aah – the mysterious Ben, who we never see but obviously is the focus of the play and also at the centre of a rumour mill about his sexuality, despite having the glamorous Zoe in tow. It soon become abundantly clear that Zoe is the beard and Jude, who is openly gay, admits to having feelings for our main man.

The structure of the piece is simple, being a series of medium length scenes with the same set throughout and a very helpful stage manager (big shout out to Anna Wilmouth) where actors change behind a costume rail, lighting is effective and the sound is well-judged. However, speaking of sound, what makes this show really stand out is Heywood– friends, he is a mean acoustic guitar player with a fabulous voice to match. Frankly I could listen to him all night.

There are times I wondered how this story would develop, yet Schadler cleverly builds up the layers; Jude finally “dating” Ben, Jude revealing all on social media thereby losing his support act spot, Zoe, now a PR-cum-manager presenting him with an ultimatum, a major contract but no more songs about his love for Ben. Tension mounts – what will Jude do? In the end the final scene makes full use of the intimate space of the Old Red Lion, with the irony of the whole denouement being driven home.

This little gem of a piece is not going to change the world but it is a great night in the theatre, with words and music that fizz and crackle and two actors that bounce off each other in an utterly engaging way. Bleeker is bang on with her quick-fire delivery constantly undermining the idealism of a winning Heywood who seduces us with his fierce integrity and his wonderful musical talents. All I can say – nay shout out loud – is “Go Go Go, Green!!”

Written by: Meg Schadler
Directed by: Ben Esdale
Sound design by: Stamatis Seraphim

Green plays at Old Red Lion Theatre until Saturday 14 June.