SHINJUKU
★★★☆☆ Vital and timely
Greenside @ George Street (venue 236): Fri 7 – Sat 15 Aug 2026
Review by Erin Frances Speirs
Production Lines’ new play, SHINJUKU, at Greenside @ George Street, dissects class and male privilege, exploring the rise of the incel (involuntary celibate) movement and how anyone can fall down this dangerous rabbit hole.
When Abby, an overworked and under-supported single mother, is called into a meeting at her son Baxter’s school with teacher Toni and Principal Sam regarding Baxter’s behaviour, she is confused. Abby brought him up to be a feminist, he’s only twelve years old, and couldn’t possibly be a danger to those around him. Or so she thinks.
Abby (Claudette Baker-Park). Pic: Jed Bury.
Throughout this hour-long production, Abby must face the truth of her son’s behaviour, as the audience grapples with how and why both Baxter and many young boys could be radicalised, even with a supportive and protective parent at home.
The three cast members put in commendable performances. As Toni, Noa Gelb holds strong in her care, while worrying about Baxter’s behaviour. She balances this urgency and fear – as well as Toni’s own personal grievances – with strength.
This contrasts well James Matheson’s relaxed nature as Sam, who he makes seemingly responsible but clearly selfish and opportunistic. Matheson slowly reveals Sam’s true persona as the play unravels.
many interesting topics
Claudette Baker-Park shines as the overprotective, but tired mother, Abby, working three jobs just to keep her small family afloat. The chemistry between the cast is electric, specifically between Baker-Park and Matheson as a romantic subplot is revealed.
Claire Wood’s script explores many interesting topics: how far you are willing to go for your own family; male power; the incel movement; and class divisions. As the play continues Abby herself begins using incel language, referring to Sam’s wife as a “Stacy” – the superior woman – and herself as a “Becky” – the inferior woman.
Although it is made clear that Abby has researched these communities for her son’s safety, the continued and vitriolic use of these terms suggests that she may have begun to internalise these ideas herself. This is further manifested by her unwillingness to accept that her son may have a problem, prepared to protect him over the young girls in his classes.
Sam (James Matheson). Pic: Jed Bury.
Structurally, Wood’s script suffers from paralipsis in its earlier sections. Toni leaves out information needed for Abby to understand the issue, with constant digressions confusing the audience. Furthermore, the manner in which Sam reacts to the romantic subplot feels forced in its introduction. However, the overall addition of this aspect of Abby and Sam’s relationship adds delicious layers to an already fascinating script.
blackouts
Certain aspects of Ross Hope’s direction allow the production to go flat. Abby sits metres away from the school staff, creating too much space between the actors in tense, confrontational scenes. Placing the actors closer to one another would heighten the pressure. Although the whole piece occurs over the course of a singular meeting, there are jarring blackouts. While the script makes it clear that only a few seconds pass in these moments, it leaves you wondering what they have missed and further pulls away from the tension being built.
Sound design by Dug Campbell adds buzzing whirs to assist in creating tension. However, this only distracts from the vital words being spoken. Projection from the cast is a constant issue, and the sound design does not help.
SHINJUKU clearly knows what it wants to address, at a crucial time to address it. The play features many thought-provoking and meaningful moments – aided by phenomenal and memorable performances. In a time where we fear for the future of our young boys, SHINJUKU’s messaging is essential.
Running time: One hour (no interval).
Greenside @ George Street (Olive Studio), The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street EH2 2PQ (Venue 236).
Friday 7 – Saturday 15 August 2026.
Daily: 7.35pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Production Lines website: productionlines.co.uk
Instagram: @production__lines
Linktree: @productionlines.
Toni (Noa Gelb). Pic: Jed Bury
ENDS
