You Won’t Help Me
13 April 2026
The Hen & Chickens Theatre
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
You Won’t Help Me is currently running at the Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar in Islington until the 18th April. The show revolves around Sarah and David, and their relationship that slowly devolves from happy couple to heavy domestic abuse, while their circle of friends unknowingly watches on. Tackling heavy themes of abuse and violence are never easy to wrap into a storyline, and the play having been written based on personal experiences gives it a very slice-of-life feel. The structure of this show feels very soap opera adjacent, with short scenes jumping through the life of the main couple and their four best friends, these scenes often ending with a dramatic head-turner moments.
The build-up of a happy relationship slowly changing into an abusive one is handled incredibly well, showing glimpses of jealousy that evolve into accusations at first, more and more petty fights, and finally physical aggression while the victim retreats into herself, trying not to give her partner any reason to fly off the handle. What is perhaps missing here is a better look at emotional manipulation and DARVO tactics often present in domestic abuse, leaving the character of Sarah looking very passive with little exploration of why she behaves the way she does. The larger events are handled very well here, a closer focus on nuance and subtleties might help elevate the show to the next level.
Acting work throughout the cast is very solid, presenting strong characterisations of a variety of people who do feel true to life. The production team really do work magic with very little means in this small scale production, drawing up a rich world confined to a small space. With a team of fantastic actors, the story really comes to life!
Perhaps the story does not quite need 2.5 hrs to be told well, some of the scenes feeling meandering. Though there is a lot of potential in this production, it hasn’t quite reached maturity yet. Still, it’s a very powerful look at domestic abuse and its insidiously covert nature, perhaps raising awareness of what signs to look out for. And uncomfortable but important play that has room to grow!
