Review: See Primark and Die, Finborough Theatre

See Primark and Die forms part of Claire Dowie’s Swansong series at the Finborough Theatre, a rotating sequence of four solo plays in which Dowie pioneered the form she calls “stand‑up theatre.” Drawing on a long and acclaimed career, this piece dives into consumer culture with a unique blend of monologue, humour, and nostalgia.

The show opens with a vivid depiction of a panic attack in Peckham Primark. From there, the narrative steals its way through a tapestry of personal and cultural signifiers: the ghostly memory of a beloved aunt; the British obsession with train “quiet carriages”; tattoos, bin‑scavenging, and the unfolding relationship with downstairs neighbour Andrea. It culminates in an embrace of no‑spend culture, offering a playful yet earnest critique of consumerism.

Dowie herself is a thoughtful, engaging presence. Her performance remains grounded, sincere and direct, even when comedic, conveying someone both curious and evolving. She juggles sincerity and satire, and the monologue is both tightly scripted and delivered with the feel of a stand‑up set, though often without the same impact.

As a comedy‑themed monologue, it flirts with the genre of stand‑up but abstains from its immediate, audience‑responsive spontaneity. Dowie skirts interaction and avoids improvisation, which diminishes the momentum of her comedic voice. There were genuine laughs (especially the joke about pigs eating humans), but these felt sporadic rather than sustained.

Thematically, the show admirably addresses anti‑capitalism and environmentalism, highlighting the absurdities of material obsession. Yet it stops short of a galvanising call to action. The ideas are compelling, but lack a sharper manifesto or rally‑cry. I left wanting a stronger, bolder statement to drive home the urgency of no‑spend, climate‑friendly living.

That said, See Primark and Die is well‑constructed, engaging and earnest. Dowie’s willingness to expose vulnerabilities and shifts in her perspective feels authentic. The structure remains robust despite the digressions, and the format, a solo show lightly staged, allows the words to resonate clearly. There was clearly an attempt to introduce theatricality into the production with the two garment rails which Dowie occasionally touched or moved, but apart from the lighting which was used to signal shifts in tone, theatrical elements were minimal and not really necessary.

See Primark and Die is a warm, candid and socially aware hour of theatre. Dowie offers a sincere exploration of consumer culture through a personal, sometimes poignant lens. Though I feel it could benefit from tighter comedic timing and a stronger activist edge, it ultimately succeeds as a thoughtful, enjoyable piece of “stand‑up theatre.”

Written by: Claire Dowie
Directed and designed by: Colin Watkeys

See Primark and Die is part of the Claire Dowie Swansong series at the Finborough Theatre, which runs until 5 July 2025.

See Primark and Die performs on Tuesday 17 June at 7.30pm, Saturday 21 June at 7.30pm, Thursday 26 June at 7.30pm, Sunday 29 June at 3.00pm, and Wednesday 2 July at 7.30pm.