Clive, showing at the Acora Theatre follows the life of Thomas (Paul Keating) after a restructuring at his workplace found all employees working from home. Initially, Thomas is happy to work at home with his ‘friend’ Clive, a large, prickly cactus for company. A sterile atmosphere is created by a white workspace and desk. It emphasises Thomas’s compulsive cleaning behaviours and his enjoyment in keeping his home spotless.

Thomas is embracing his life, dressed in white shirt and underpants, (after all who hasn’t been guilty of wearing pyjama bottoms during a Zoom meeting!).

We accompany him on his journey dealing with workplace bullies (yes, they exist remotely too!) and adjusting to a life where groceries are delivered, and the only human interaction is when he delivers a neighbour’s parcel.

Living life remotely and FaceTime meetings can’t compensate for gossip at the coffee machine. Gradually, he becomes more isolated as his old workmates leave the company he deals with a lot of faceless individuals via email. He focuses more on watching the occupants of a building opposite, imagining their lives and commenting on what is happening to them.

It is a story of both loneliness and renewal. Its strength lies in the depiction of everyday experiences, including the unpredictable nature of so-called ‘smart technology’.

Keating plays Thomas as a likeable chap and we all sympathise with his recollections of childhood bullying and an abusive parent. Michael Wynne’s script says nothing new, but it provides a well-crafted depiction of corporate bullying and examines the mental health consequences associated with prolonged social isolation.

4 stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Photo Credits – Charlie Flint

CLIVE showing at The Arcola Theatre 30 July to 23 August 2025

For further information and tickets see the link below

https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/clive/

CAST
Paul Keating – Thomas

CREATIVE
Michael Wynne – Writer
Lucy Bailey – Director
Mike Britton – Designer
Chris Davey – Lighting Designer