Skip to main content
2004

Dumb Show

Written by Joe Penhall

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director 
Ian Rickson

Dates Performed

Thursday 2nd September 2004
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs

Play Details

Synopsis

Barry, a desperate tabloid television presenter, and his manipulative producer Katie, navigate a murky world of sensationalism and moral ambiguity. Initially enticed by the prospect of an easy payday through a “sting” operation, Barry soon finds himself tangled in a web of deceit, power struggles, and personal downfall orchestrated by Katie and her team.

As Barry’s facade of charm and confidence crumbles under relentless pressure and manipulation, the narrative delves into themes of greed, exploitation, and the toxic influence of media on personal and public lives. The play’s sharp dialogue and dark humour illuminate the stark realities of media machinations and the fragile human cost behind the headlines.

Director(s)

Terry Johnson

Photo credit

All images credited to Ivan Kyncl

Cast & Creative

Cast

Anna Maxwell Martin

Cast

Rupert Graves

Cast

Douglas Hodge

Designer

Es Devlin

Lighting

Bruno Poet

Sound

Ian Dickinson

You may also like...

The Treatment

The Treatment

1993

Martin Crimp

Hangmen

Hangmen

2015

Martin McDonagh

Enron

Enron

2009

Lucy Prebble