Invisible Me Review: a touching and intimate portrayal of life over sixty
- Emma Knott
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
10 April 2026 I 19:30 I Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Little)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
First performed as a livestream at Bloomsbury Festival in 2020, this humble play, written by Bren Gosling and directed by Scott Le Crass, now makes its way to Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Little). The production finds a natural home in this intimate venue, where its raw emotional intensity and sharply observed relationships are brought into even greater focus. It is anchored by a stellar three-person cast of Tessa Peake-Jones (Only Fools and Horses), James Holmes (Miranda) and Kevin N. Golding, promising a gripping and resonant experience that draws audiences into the heart of the story.
Invisible Me tells three interwoven stories, following Lynn, Alec and Jack as they navigate society after turning sixty, each confronting loneliness and the complexities of later-life relationships. Gosling's book first focuses on their individual journeys, narrowly in their distinct worlds, as they soon integrate with one another. What emerges is the touching realisation that, despite their differences in character, their experiences of feeling 'invisible' are deeply similar.
Lynn, a cleaner grieving the loss of both her mother and at the end of her marriage, escapes into an unexpected online alter-ego as 'Mrs. Queenie'. Alec, a Black cab driver with grown-up children, is newly single at sixty, who tentatively explores the dating sphere with a younger woman. While Jack, a HIV+ gay man, faces a new identity as a widower after 35 years, telling his story in the style of a letter to his lost love.
Under the direction of Scott Le Crass, these roles are brought to life with warmth and striking humour, crafting performances that feel authentic and human. Even minor hiccups in delivery add to this realism, finding the beauties in imperfection. All three performers shine, individually taking to the stage while the others 'shut down', before coming together and recollecting their lives with another cast member.
The set and costume designs by David Shields are modest, yet highly effective to embrace a stripped-back aesthetic. With three chairs as the primary props, the space transforms into a café, a tube carriage, a nightclub and more, using suggestion to bring humanity to the forefront. In spite of its minimalism, the staging never feels lacking, instead inviting audiences to use their imagination, making each setting feel vivid and immediate. A sense of location is further enhanced by Julian Starr's sound design, and lighting design by Jodie Underwood, defining shifts in time, but also as metaphoric signals for mood and location.
What resonates most is the play's genuinity, of feeling invisible at an age often perceived as 'old', and finding the courage to overcome these expectations. We learn a lot from Lynn and Alec's narratives, coming together before Jack is included, of who we wish to hear more from. As an audience, our closeness almost makes us the fourth character, actors sustaining eye contact, directly addressing us and yearning for a reaction. A final dance scene brings the trio together under a disco ball, unifying their lives and making the characters feel 'seen', celebrating connection and light after loneliness.
Overall, Invisible Me is a gently commanding piece that lingers long beyond the final scene. It combines comedy, heart and honesty, to remind us not to overlook those with different lives to our own. With line stumbles, it may not be without its flaws, although its sincerity and message triumphs much stronger. Its never too late to rediscover yourself, and this important theatrical event is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Little) until 2nd May.
Tickets and Info: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/invisible-me/
