Coach & Horses, 29 Greek Street, W1D 5DH (Soho) – until February 26 2024
Reviewed by Mandi Riggi
3***
Keith Waterhouse’s 1989 comedy, “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell,” has been revived once
again at the Coach and Horses pub, an infamous drinking hole frequented by Jeffrey Bernard, an inebriated journalist and a Soho fixture played by Robert Bathurst. The Coach and Horses, a real-life pub in London’s Soho, was Bernard’s regular haunt, and it became a symbol of his lifestyle.
The premise of the play is that Jeffrey Bernard fell asleep in the bathroom and woke up to find himself locked inside. The first thing he does is reach for a bottle of vodka, as he waits for the pub owner, Norman, to let him back out. The play revolves around and celebrates the much-loved old Soho character, Jeffrey Bernard, a well-known British journalist and writer notorious for his excessive drinking and gambling habits, and some may argue, a misogynist.
Robert Bathurst has a clear handle on this role, playing a larger-than-life personality who dominates the stage as he regales the audience with tales of his misadventures. Delivering a little over an hour-long monologue, Bathurst navigates the crowded pub, engaging with the audience perched on bar stools. There are many entertaining oneliners; however, the combination of topicality and datedness doesn’t appeal to everyone, especially younger audiences who might struggle to understand the historical context and references.
Bathurst’s performance is energetic and entertaining, capturing Bernard’s wit and charm. However, some may argue that there wasn’t enough emotion and heart in portraying such a dark and lonely character who leads a self-destructive lifestyle. To be fair, Waterhouse includes witty criticisms of Bernard’s behaviour from his wives and lovers, offering a more nuanced portrayal of the character.
But Bathurst’s polished delivery made me wonder if it might be a bit disconnected from Bernard’s actual lifestyle. The omission of Bernard’s slurred and growly speech and drunken behaviour might contribute to a sense of disconnect between the character and Bathurst’s portrayal.
Despite these concerns, “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell” does offer entertaining anecdotes, particularly with punchlines that elicit laughter from the audience. The play provides a glimpse into a bygone era and offers a reflection on the consequences of a life consumed by vices. One memorable moment is the hilarious story about racing cats, which resulted in roaring laughter from the audience.
Overall, while “Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell” offers an entertaining experience and attempts to raise important questions about addiction and the consequences of a life consumed by vices, it falls short in fully exploring the complexities of this celebrated
character.