The Firm review, Hampstead Theatre Downstairs

Roy Williams gave us Sing Yer Heart Out For the Lads, a play about race and football, and Sucker Punch, about race and boxing. In The Firm, race underpins a lot of what's happening, but it's about what unites the group rather than what rents them asunder. The Firm is an old South London crime gang headed by Gus, the only member never caught, and who now makes his money legitimately. He is the Bank of Mum and Dad to the group, bailing them out as needed.

We meet The Firm in Gus's pub as they're preparing to celebrate the release from jail of the legendary Shaun. Leslie is putting up the welcome banner. Recently released from prison himself, Leslie has embarked on a forbidden romance with his probation officer. It's made him rethink his priorities and his options. When Trent - who was sent to collect Shaun - returns alone, there is confusion. What has happened to the guest of honour? To add to the sense of foreboding, the final member of The Firm arrives with a young stranger in tow. Why are Leslie and Trent immediately discomfited?

What follows is a lively, funny, tense series of interactions during which the members of The Firm are challenged to prove their mettle. Are they still fearless villains happy to endanger themselves and others for small gains, or is it time to retire?  The debate ranges across time and events, drawing new truths that demand fresh evaluations of who they are and who they were, individually and collectively. And where is Shaun? 

In conclusion: It's wordy and too long, but The Firm is a good watch. Jay Simpson is brilliant as Leslie and Delroy Atkins is a comic Trent in Dennis Lawson's production. Convincing performances too from Clarence Smith, Simon Coombs, and Clinton Blake on Alex Marker's nifty pub set.

Hampstead Theatre, Eton Road, London NW3.   Run ends December 2.