Photo: Chris Saunders.

Gwenda’s Garage roars into Southwark Playhouse with a vibrant, politically charged musical that blends activism, history, and heart. Inspired by the true story of a women-run garage in 1980s Sheffield, the show opens with a rapturous musical number that promises brilliance—and largely delivers.

The cast of six actors and a live band (with standout drummer Liz Kitchen doubling as comic relief) bring infectious energy and emotional depth. Lucy Mackay as Dipstick and Eva Scott as Carol are particularly magnetic, with nuanced performances that shine even when off-focus. Each actor is given space to showcase their vocal and dramatic talents, and the ensemble chemistry is palpable.

The music is catchy and well-performed, with tunes that linger long after curtain call. The set cleverly evolves throughout, with the gradual construction of a car mirroring the unfolding narrative.

At times, the script feels a little uneven. The first half could benefit from tighter pacing, as it occasionally drags despite the strong performances. While the show is rich in important themes—sexism, racism, LGBTQ+ rights, and political activism—it sometimes struggles to weave these threads seamlessly into the central story. The garage, which is based on a real and compelling historical premise, ends up feeling more like a symbolic setting than the driving force of the narrative. Although this may have been intended it wasn’t what we had anticipated.

Still, Gwenda’s Garage is a thought-provoking, relevant piece. It resonates deeply with audiences who lived through the 1980s, while offering younger viewers a glimpse into a turbulent era that echoes today’s challenges. It’s a joyful, reflective night out with West End-calibre performances from all six actors —and well worth seeing before it closes on 29 November.

Review by Joostar.

🍷🍷🍷🍷 – 4 out of 5 glasses of fine claret! (but don’t drink and drive!)

Tickets and further information here.