Roger Alborough

A new play inspired by real-life events in the often brutal and corrupt world of 1950's Chicago policing and mob violence, 'COPS', directed by Andy Jordan, premieres at Southwark Playhouse from Wednesday 15 January - Saturday 1 February, 2020.

It's 1957 in Chicago. Four policemen, Stan, Rosey, Eulee, and Foxy share an office in-between stake-outs in a city slain by the mob and racial segregation. It's difficult, however, to find real themes in Tony Tortora's play among its misogyny, doughnuts, and Elvis. Sophomoric humour, endless conversations about menial and inconsequential matters, and tiresome boys-will-be-boys banter build a largely uninteresting piece of theatre.

Final casting is today announced for the UK premiere of 'COPS' by American writer Tony Tortora, a new play inspired by real-life events in the often brutal and corrupt world of 1950's Chicago policing and mob violence.

The pupil comes prepared for her lesson: pens, notepad, ruler. The professor apologises for being late. The lesson begins. And then, the lesson really begins. In Matthew Parker's clever new production of Ionesco's play, everything is in order but nothing makes sense.

Visible Theatre's Roundelay is coming to the Southwark Playhouse from 23rd Feb - 18th March.

Visible Theatre's Roundelay is coming to the Southwark Playhouse from 23rd Feb - 18th March.