Review: Hello My Name Is…, Canada Water Theatre

At Canada Water Theatre, newly operated by Theatre Peckham, Hello My Name Is… features as part of a programme designed to platform emerging voices, and it is hard to imagine a more promising start. This is my local theatre and I’ve often longed to see it better used. If tonight is an indication of what is going to be on offer, it will be hard to stay away.

The play, written by Marcos Byrne, follows a day in the life of Carlos, a young student determined to become an actor. Given that Byrne is cast in the titular role, it is easy to assume there is a strong autobiographical element at work. He tells his story largely directly to the audience in brilliantly structured verse, but ensemble scenes set on local transport, at home and in a series of mind-numbing school lessons flow effortlessly on and off the stage between soliloquies.

Byrne is helped by a youthful and talented cast comprising Abbey Oyetunde, Alyx Cornford, Leela Harris, Ella Gobern and Joe Bernstein. There is an energy to the way they work together that lights up the room. The school scenes feel almost intimidatingly authentic without ever leaning into lazy stereotypes.

This is largely because the writing is of such high quality. At such a young age, Byrne already has a distinct voice of his own. It is unique in its energy, creativity and insight, and has an almost musical quality that makes it a joy to listen to. The script is also fast-moving and well structured: transitions between solo and ensemble sections are assured and effortless. Direction, also by Byrne and assisted by Bernstein, matches this with a fluidity that keeps the piece constantly in motion like a well-choreographed dance. Canada Water Theatre is a simple space, and props and set are utilitarian at best, but they are not what make this piece tick.

As its central performer, Byrne is thrillingly engaging. He commands our attention with ease despite the sheer weight of material he has to carry. I am certain that I watched a significant talent emerge in this humble setting tonight. 

However, there is a big ‘but’. For all his considerable skill, the play ultimately struggles to justify itself as a drama. What is presented is a portrait of all too familiar schoolboy angst, laced with boredom, frustration and a longing for something more creative. It is relatable, certainly, believable and at times very funny, but it never quite passes the ‘so what?’ test. There is little sense of progression beyond the passing of the day, no notable surprises or twists, and no meaningful evolution in the relationships between the characters. The audience is not waiting for anything significant to happen, nor is there a larger idea to anchor the work emotionally.

And yet, the sheer quality of the writing and acting makes it impossible not to be impressed. Having already been recognised by the Royal Court Theatre Young Writer’s Award, Byrne’s voice is clearly one to watch. His instincts as both writer and performer are formidable, and his work will deepen further as he looks beyond his own experience into different worlds and minds for his source material. 

Written and co-directed by Marcos Byrne
Co-directed and produced by Joe Bernstein
Dramaturg: Ella Gobern
Stage Manager: Yemi Majekodunmi
Design Assistant: Robyn Freeman
Production Assistant: Ada Alia

Hello My Name Is…has completed its current run as part of Peckham Fringe.