The Code | Southwark Playhouse Elephant

Set in 1950’s Hollywood, The Code peels back the sparkling facade of the golden ages and reveals the gritty underbelly of silver screen and its actors. 

Written by Michael McKeevan and directed by Christopher Renshaw, The Code takes place in the apartment of former screen idol turned interior designer Billy Haines, as he shares a drink with friend Tallulah Bankhead as they wait for the power hungry agent Henry Willson and acting Protégé Chad Manford to arrive before going to a dinner. Once arriving, the four discuss image in the industry and how identity must be carefully edited and changed to fit the Hollywood life and to survive. 

Set and costume are created by Ethan Cheek, dressed to the nines, the cast look like they’ve been pulled from a 1950’s movie. The set is simple, yet exceedingly detailed, the living room has a full bar and sitting area with tables and surfaces covered with glasses, lamps and trinkets to create a sense of being lived in. The highlight of the set is the old Hollywood postcard, framing the whole set with a rip down the centre, a perfect looking piece with a small flaw, which comments on the imperfections of Hollywood. 

John Partridge takes on the role of Billy Haines, commanding the stage and leaving the audience in awe. His character transition from a put together comedic one liner to allowing himself to be honest with everyone, almost falling apart by the end of the production. Partridge goes from lighthearted to gut wrenching in the span of seconds, he is truly a powerful actor. 

Tracie Bennett plays the unapologetically honest Tallulah Bankhead. Her comedic timing eases the tension of the more hard hitting scenes, but also has empowering moments herself, speaking directly to the audience and breaking the fourth wall and letting the patrons into what is either about to happen or giving her option on the situation unfolding in front of her. 

The aforementioned power hungry agent Henry Willson is Nick Blakeley. A character that audiences left the theatre hating, proving Blakeley’s talent. Scenes between him and Solomon Davy had the whole room shocked in silence or gasping in disbelief. He perfectly devised a dislikable demeanour confronting everyone he is faced with.  

Davy is an acting sensation. He plays Chad Manford, instantly catching the audiences hearts. His performance is both comedic and emotional, his naive character lending to both. Highlighting his acting prowess specifically with a scene taking place on the phone, Davy has the audience in complete suspense waiting on his every word, fighting between what he wants and what he feels he has to do to make it big in the industry. Davy is a spectacular performer that should be kept an eye on for whatever he does next. 

The plot at times feels convoluted and wordy, feeling slow at the beginning. Without prior knowledge of the plot, audiences may be confused for a while until the story picks up and clears itself up. Along with that, the lack of microphones for the actors sometimes meant that words or phrases are missed if the actors are speaking quietly or facing away from the specific direction you are sat. 

The Code is a clever outlook on the golden ages, yet it is just as prevalent today as it was years ago. The Code is a revolutionary production that everyone should see. 

The Code plays at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 11th October 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Danny Kaan and Steve Gregson