Hit Machine | Soho Theatre

Penned by Jonathan Caren, Hit Machine is Soho Theatre's summer hit; exploring bruised upbringings, brotherly relationships and male violent tendencies.

Hit Machine is intimate and invasive, bringing audiences directly into Wes’ (Josh Radnor) living room during confrontations and reconciliations with his brother Alex (Noah Galvin). On top of the family tension, Wes’ biggest client Defy the Leader (Khalil Madovi) is facing a minor PR crisis that both Wes and Alex are dying to fix. Work, family and wider society all clash in this 75 minute sting.

Radnor brings a Simon Cowell essence as Wes; there is strength in his position and wealth yet, Radnor is still able to infuse the lingering emotions of a man suppressing his trauma. Galvin compliments Radnor's character tremendously, contrasting the barricade with something more open and vulnerable. Galvin adds an immense comedic skill as well as bringing angelic vocals to the stage, whilst Radnor brings the emotional stakes to striking crescendos.

Madovi crafts Defy the Machine to become the pinnacle of the piece; whilst Defy is ultimately a central motif for something greater this would not be half as present without Madovi's brilliant performance. Musically, Madovi commands the stage whilst also delivering a nuanced performance that elevates the piece to a place of being more than a family drama. Madovi, and his well crafted character, crafts conversation that expands Hit Machine into a scorching social examination, inviting audiences to look further afield to the men around them and within the media. Furthermore, Defy the Machine's contribution to the resolve of Hit Machine is an absolute hit, leaving audiences no choice but to celebrate the emotional release.

Caren has certainly crafted a well thought out and oiled piece; the emotional strings are all there and audiences can undoubtedly connect to the tender and strained emotional heart of the show. Yet, Caren's choices also leave thought, setting the piece in a world that is so out of touch to regular society (aka the music industry), almost alienating these biting topics discussed from audiences' reality. Whether this “alienation” could facilitate space for audiences to ruminate on the matter in more substantial depth or could lead to disenfranchising members from the main messaging is uncertain, yet it leaves great space for discussion. These opportunities for reflection and discussion is where Caren's success lies.

Hit Machine certainly translates as a piece that yearns to be discussed and dissected, letting audiences reflect on what they have just seen. There is space where it feels as if the violent tendencies of men and complexities of trauma and mental health could be delved into further depths, but ultimately the way Caren avoids mansplaining mental health to audiences and allows room for interpretation of events crafts the perfect mixture of intrusive watching.

Daniel Bailey's direction aims to make the audiences ride the emotional waves of our three characters, and brings the heated moments to crescendos that feel invasive to sit in on. Bailey has a clear understanding of how to facilitate success for those he is working with and this transpires through the entire piece.

Amelia Jane Hankins’ set design feels straight out of an X-Factor judges house, presenting the context perfectly through the characters surroundings. Music is at the beating heart of this show, its story, rhythm and its texture all stem from the art of music. Ben Harper, CJ Harper and Madovi add a musician's touch to the final piece that glows. There are moments where audiences can't help but sing along and move to the music because it is just so good. Not only does the music enhance the story, but it helps tell it; bringing mental frustration and reconciliation to life through song felt unique and gave Hit Machine its standout qualities.

Soho Theatre have done it once again, bringing London its Hit (Machine) of the summer; do not miss this biting and poignant tale told by an incredible cast and team of creative minds.

Hit Machine plays at Soho Theatre until 15th August - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Bautista Araya