My Uncle is Not Pablo Escobar

My Uncle is Not Pablo Escobar depicts a group whose stories become intertwined as they attempt to blow the lid on a major banking scandal, while also telling the story of a group of Latinx women navigating life and identity in London. It is a vibrant and somewhat extravagant plot that draws inspiration from the 2012 HSBC money-laundering scandal, which uncovered the bank’s profiteering from the laundering of money linked to Mexican drug gangs. Alongside this bold narrative, the play challenges the lack of Latin American representation in mainstream British media, as well as exploring what it means to be a Latinx Londoner, touching on the lived realities of Latinx women, including objectification and misogyny.

The true engine of the production is the cast. Each performer does a fantastic job of inhabiting their role, and the chemistry within the quartet allows for a seamless ensemble, with performances that feed off one another. They bring their characters to life with captivating energy; their command of nuance, from sharp wit to moments of devastating vulnerability, keeps the audience tethered to every word.

The narration from co-writers Valentina Andrade and Elizabeth Alvarado adds both humour and context. Crucially, their insights serve as a clever framing device, at times offering explanations for the unfolding drama so that the play’s final moments land with a sense of clarity and inevitability.

The fourth wall is well and truly broken at various points. Audience participation holds attention and keeps the play upbeat, while also adding colour to the issues being explored. For instance, a crowd quiz based on questions from the UK citizenship test prompts the audience to consider what it really means to be a citizen.

The set design leans into a minimalist aesthetic that complements the plot. The quick set changes can at times feel chaotic and slightly haphazard; however, this generally mirrors the narrative and ensures the story does not stagnate.

Overall, this is a fun and thought-provoking play that challenges stereotypes. It manages to occupy that rare sweet spot where entertainment meets activism. By asking the truly “important” questions, such as “Morley’s or arepas?”, its balance of light-hearted charm and provocative substance makes it well worth watching.