Some plays hold up a mirror to masculinity, exposing its bravado, its fragility, and the quiet struggles lurking beneath. Men’s Business at the Finborough Theatre attempts to do just that, offering moments of real intensity but sometimes feeling more like an exercise in atmosphere than a fully realised narrative. Ross Gaynor’s direction keeps things simmering, though the production leans heavily on its mood, at times sacrificing momentum for tension.
Originally titled Männersache, this 1972 work by Bavarian playwright Franz Xaver Kroetz has been newly adapted by Simon Stephens. Following a successful run at Dublin’s Glass Mask Theatre, it now brings its intense, pressure-cooker energy to London.
Set in the stark, unforgiving confines of a butcher shop, the play centres on Charlie (Lauren Farrell), a dedicated butcher, and Victor (Rex Ryan), a brash welder. Their interactions – full of long silences, jagged conversations, and sudden bursts of emotion – explore shifting power dynamics, discomfort, and the weight of things left unsaid. Farrell’s Charlie is withdrawn but simmering with unspoken frustration, while Ryan’s Victor exudes an uneasy mix of charm and menace. Their dynamic is compelling, but the play’s structure leaves some interactions feeling repetitive rather than revelatory.
A brutal yet intimate look at masculinity in crisis, where every silence is as loaded as every word
Gaynor’s direction ensures a controlled tension, though the pacing occasionally stifles rather than grips. Designer Andrew Clancy transforms the butcher shop into a cage, its cold, clinical surfaces reinforcing the play’s simmering aggression. Sharp blades, raw meat, and unforgiving lighting add to the atmosphere, though at times, the tension doesn’t escalate enough to justify the slow build. Lighting designer Jess F. Kane shifts the mood in subtle but effective ways, heightening unease where the script alone doesn’t quite manage it.
It’s a production that asks questions about masculinity but doesn’t always dig deep enough into its own complexities. Charlie and Victor’s world is shaped by rules they can’t quite articulate, expectations they don’t know how to meet, and an emotional landscape that remains largely unspoken. It lingers, but more in its mood than in its revelations.
Final Thoughts ★★★
Would I recommend Men’s Business? With some reservations. While it has moments of raw intensity and striking visuals, its execution doesn’t always land, making for an intriguing but uneven experience. It’s thought-provoking, but its unrelenting bleakness and deliberate pacing may leave some audiences disengaged. A production with sharp edges, but not always a clean cut.
Playing at Finborough Theatre until 12 April 2025.
Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.
