Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell

Watching Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell in the Coach and Horses pub is theatre in its most fitting setting. This one man play is performed in the very kind of Soho watering hole that defined the life of its central character, making the experience feel immersive from the moment you arrive.

The premise is simple but effective. Jeffrey Bernard, the infamous journalist and chronicler of Soho life, has fallen asleep in the pub toilets and wakes up in the middle of the night after closing time. Locked inside with only a bar stool, a few drinks, and his memories, he fills the deserted hours by reflecting on his colourful past.

Robert Bathurst delivers an impressive hour long performance, holding the room entirely on his own. The monologue is energetic, witty and deeply engaging, capturing Bernard’s chaotic life of gambling, drinking, failed marriages and endless nights in Soho. Bathurst balances humour with moments of reflection, portraying a man who has lived loudly and perhaps recklessly, yet remains oddly endearing.

What makes the production especially enjoyable is the setting itself. Watching a play about a notorious Soho drinker while sitting in a real pub adds a layer of authenticity that a traditional theatre could never replicate. The intimate atmosphere makes the audience feel like fellow late night companions listening to Bernard’s stories across the bar.

There is a small amount of audience interaction, used sparingly and tactfully, which helps the room relax without ever disrupting the flow of the performance.

The show runs for just one hour, but it is packed with humour, nostalgia and a vivid portrait of old Soho debauchery. It is entertaining throughout, with plenty of laughs and a steady stream of colourful anecdotes.

A unique theatrical experience and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Highly recommended.


Photo credit: Tom Howard