A well-intentioned production that explores important themes but needs development Rating
Ok
‘Gentrification’ is a term that all Londoners are aware of, and we additionally know the rumour that a Waitrose moving into an area means property prices will rise. The knock-on effect, forming one of the central points of X Marks the Spot, is that locals get priced out. The play’s description states that Teenager ‘X’ (Nomari Nelson) is forced to confront what remains of home, and what home really is, but this theme falls flat, with the most memorable scene being an argument about gentrification. While the play wants to explore the emotional impact of losing a place you have called home, it does not always give the audience enough time to connect with the characters. As a result, some themes feel underdeveloped.
X is on the cusp of moving out of Elephant and Castle, with one last job to do before he goes. When he falls from a rooftop while tagging his block of flats and attempting to place a radio amp, he loses his memory so must try to work out why he was there. He is chased by a police officer (Shannon Tamara) and meets Oscar, a helpful shop owner (Adi Roy Bhattacharya).
Nelson shines as a cheeky teenager struggling with loss, Tamara entertains as the exasperated officer, and Bhattacharya brings lovely charm to the shop owner trying to make the best of things. All three characters have clear storylines, but their chemistry falters when these begin to intertwine. The audience encounters different perspectives on the area, but these do not always come together naturally, making it harder to invest in X’s journey, particularly towards the conclusion.
In a tense scene – the best in the play – Bhattacharya’s character makes an important point when X accuses him of being a sellout for adapting his business to suit the area’s new customers: to survive in independent retail, it is essential to move with the times. This scene is electric, allowing the actors to show off their natural chemistry. It is also where the play’s wider themes feel most relevant, highlighting the difficult choices faced by people trying to make a living in a rapidly changing area. Rather than presenting gentrification as a straightforward battle between good and bad, the scene acknowledges that survival is more complicated than it first appears.
The lighting and projection work well within the limitations of the space, establishing the setting and supporting the action without becoming distracting. However, the play’s 50-minute runtime simultaneously feels too long and too short. Many scenes lack pace, while the ending feels rushed and leaves issues unresolved. The piece could improve with tighter pacing and additional scenes exploring the backstory X struggles to remember. Further insight into his relationships and connection to Elephant and Castle would also make his journey more meaningful. There is potential for a much more affecting exploration of identity and belonging, but these ideas are not given the space they need.
X Marks the Spot has strong moments and an interesting central idea, but struggles to bring its elements together. The scenes focusing directly on gentrification are the most compelling, and the play would benefit from bringing similar energy and clarity to its other scenes.
Written and Directed by Joy Kirigo
Produced by Anita Mubiru
X Marks the Spot has now finished its run as part of the Young, Gifted & Black season that celebrates young Black British artists at both Theatre Peckham and Canada Water Theatre. You can read more about the season in our recent interview with CEO and AD Dr Suzann McLean MBE. The season continues at both theatres until Friday 30 October.
