Maggots

Maggots at the Bush Theatre is a provocative and thought-provoking piece of theatre that lingers in the mind well after the curtain falls. Written by Farah Najib and directed with sympathy and sensitivity by Jess Barton, this intimate production tackles the isolating realities of modern urban life and the haunting consequences when community and the authorities don’t function and fall short in a massively impactful way.

At its heart Maggots follows a group of neighbours in Laurel House. A city block of flats, where a mysterious stench, followed by infestation, escalates concern. But tragically no-one living there or responsible is either brave enough or has the authority to tackle it direct. The narrative may appear simple on paper, but under Barton’s careful and clever direction, it unfolds into a layered and unsettling commentary on human connection, systemic neglect and the fragility of everyday existence.

The three-strong cast (Sam Baker Jones, Safiyya Ingar and Marcia Lecky) work impressively as a unit, each shifting seamlessly between multiple characters with nuance and aplomb. The collective presence creates a strong sense of shared experience, making Laurel House residents feel real and their frustrations palpable. Baker Jones’s grounded intensity, Ingar’s expressive emotional range, and Lecky’s sharp character anchor the ensemble throughout the play’s ebb and flow.

One of the productions greatest strengths is its simple but high effective staging. Caitlin Mawhinney’s set and costume designs suggest the nondescript nature of the building with a ceiling of dying flowers hinting at the ‘sweet’ stench of death. Lighting designer Peter Small uses illumination sparingly but purposefully, heightening moments of tension and introspection beautifully. These elements together with Duramaney Kamara’s unsettling and subtle soundscape, suffuse the performance with a collective atmosphere without dominating the performers or the text.

In all Maggots is a compelling and resilient piece of theatre that blends gifted storytelling with a simplicity of design and hugely powerful performances. It’s a play that doesn’t just tell a story but asks you to reckon with it.


Photo credit: Ross Kernahan