Ushered into our seats along a gloomy corridor into a darkened room, we were immediately assaulted by a chemical smell, and curt commands from two uniformed Air Raid Wardens who wielded torches to light up our sets. When all were safely seated, they told the story of the Bethnal Green disaster, where 173 people died in an underground station in World War II.
Describing the unfinished underground in detail, the mention of chemical toilets on the platforms and bunk beds in the unfinished tunnels explained the odd odour.
The deaths were not caused by enemy action, but by the result of a single falling person on a darkened stairway causing a catastrophic melee of 300 crushed bodies and broken limbs, as people hurried in fear of an air raid.
Our two Air Raid Warden narrators expertly set the scene: one of concerned safety reports and local authority inaction. This verbatim production, although faltering in parts, brought to life the voices of the survivors, the eyewitnesses of the tragic evening.
As if the catastrophe (now some 80 years ago) was not enough, it was shocking to hear how the authorities, including Winston Churchill, sought to cover up the events.
Historic, yes, but also strangely up to date as the modern audience shuffled slowly out, more familiar with images of people sheltering in the Kyev metro and reading reports of Hillsborough and Grenfell cover ups. As the all-clear sounded we reflected on how little things have changed.
Well-constructed and thought provoking, Lucky Dog deserve credit for their succinct impactful production. Using uplights to alternately illuminate their faces, the narrative progressed as each cast member took on the multiplicity of voices. It is important that these voices are still heard.
David Wadmore
Fringe TheatreFest views 