REVIEW: GANG BANG @ SEVEN DIALS PLAYHOUSE

🎭 Gang Bang

📍 Seven Dials Playhouse, 1A Tower Street, London, WC2H 9NP

🗓  Wednesday 19th February 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

MAFIA MADNESS, NORTHERN MAYHEM AND GAG AFTER GAG

Initially performed during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, GANG BANG by Hughie Shepherd-Cross brings its hilarious mafia-inspired mayhem to Seven Dials Playhouse. This comedy follows Don Lambrini, a Sicilian who, in 1945, mistakenly boards a cruise to Blackpool instead of a ship to America – an absurd premise that sets the tone for a night of off-the-wall humour, satirical nods to traditional gangster stories and relentless gags.

The play manages to wonderfully marry together cliches from the gangster film genre and Northern England and is packed with quips and cultural references – from the Epsom Derby to Fray Bentos pies. While some of these nods may be more familiar to audiences with Northern roots, I found they added to the show’s rich, localised charm. The energy in the room was infectious, and audience laughter could be heard throughout the entire performance.

Fabian Bevan, Hannah Johnson and Freddie Cohen were all fantastic and excellently cast. The trio had undeniable chemistry, and I could just tell they were loving every moment of performing together and bringing this dark and hilarious world to life. For me, however, Cohen was the standout performer of the night. He plays Don Lambrini and a host of other characters during the 60-minute runtime. His seamless transitions between roles were a real highlight, and he gave each of his characters a distinct personality and comedic flair. They were all a joy to watch, but I particularly enjoyed Jim Reaper who crops up a few times throughout the 60-minute runtime and the Mayor of The North. Another highlight was the creative staging of Don Lambrini’s time in hospital, which was executed with nothing more than a sheet, a table and some kneeling on the part of Cohen.

Despite my usual indifference to this kind of in-your-face comedy, GANG BANG won me over. The humour – though at times absurd – was well done, and I found myself laughing out loud more than I expected. I also thought the story was paced very well and that it stuck a perfect balance of being inspired by and taking the mick out of traditional gangster stories while also retaining its own unique plot. I didn’t know how the story was going to end and where these characters were going to end up, which sometimes isn’t the case when writing emulates a well-known trope. The play even ends with a hilarious full-circle moment, which felt satisfying and a good way to wrap up the action. 

GANG BANG is a fast-paced, unpredictable and hilarious take on the gangster genre. With stellar performances, sharp writing and an infectiously enthusiastic cast, it delivers an evening of unfiltered joy. Whether you’re a fan of gangster films and Northern humour or are just in need of a good laugh, this show is well worth catching. It’s on at Seven Dials Playhouse until Saturday 1st March. GET TICKETS HERE.

Estelle Luck

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Gang Bang was gifted by Chloe Nelkin Consulting who invited me to watch the show on behalf of Pink Prince Theatre in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.