A Powerful Production That Doesn't Shy Away From The Harshest Of Realities

After a five star run at one of London's most exciting venues, Lynn Nottage's SWEAT moves from the Donmar Warehouse to the bright lights of Shaftesbury Avenue where it is grinding away for a limited six-week run.

A profoundly heart-wrenching production, SWEAT deserves all the praise it has received. Based on the true stories of the people of Reading, Pennsylvania, SWEAT peels back the covers on deindustrialisation and explores what it means for those left behind.

Set in one of the town's taverns we follow the local factory workers whose lives, once built on tradition and the security of steady employment, begin to crumble around them as one by one the factories begin to close.

Seeing the stories of America's working class being brought to life on stage is refreshing, although distressing. A tale that doesn't necessarily have a happy ending SWEAT pulls the audience along on a rollercoaster of emotions, from the good times to the bad this play never lets from its whirlwind pace. However, witty one-liners help alleviate some of the tension and anguish that you feel for the characters.

Through powerful performances from all of the cast, SWEAT discusses themes of loyalty, tradition, and race amongst a looming backdrop of rusted steel beams and desolate cogs. Shocking yet real, SWEAT is as timely as ever, holding up a mirror to the UK's own deindustrialization and disenfranchised. I just hope that history doesn't keep on repeating itself.

View our show pages for more information about Sweat, Gielgud Theatre.