Dash Arts' latest production, Our Public House, uses the traditional English pub as a crucible for exploring contemporary British divisions. Created by director Josephine Burton and inspired by community workshops involving over 700 participants, the play is set in the Albion pub—ancient name for Britain—where a storm both meteorological and political rages outside.
The Setting and Characters
The Albion pub is run down, and its landlady Sanjana (Bharti Patel, delivering an epic performance) is on her last legs. Her husband has died, and her teacher daughter rarely visits. The pub's name is no coincidence; extensive research and workshops across the country have shaped the script by Barney Norris and songs by Jonathan Walton.
Sanjana is a British Asian landlady, and the rise of the far right provides the backdrop for all political conversations, making racial tension a key theme. The story unfolds on the night of a storm that floods roads and traps Labour MP candidate Mary Parker (Gabriela Leon) and political adviser Tom (Kit Esuruoso). In a recent election, the largest share of votes was for spoiled ballots, with minuscule turnout. Sanjana, like a Prospero figure, runs classes on making political speeches, offering refuge and voice to two lost souls.
Musical and Theatrical Elements
The songs are not toe-tappers, and the cast performs them with only passing musicality. In the second half, local actors join the main cast as a community ensemble, delivering impassioned speeches about issues like the lack of green space and absence of male mentors in Leeds.
Overall Assessment
As a piece of theatre, it falls between two stools. The community cast is not fully integrated, interrupting the world created by the main cast. This makes the production feel worthy but somewhat undermines the drama. Despite these flaws, the play offers warmth and urgency, reflecting a heartfelt portrait of divided Britain. At Leeds Playhouse until 23 May.
