RANK-Poole Lighthouse.

OffPiste Theatre presents RANK what really goes on in the world of taxi drivers, are they are all ruthless overcharging money grabbers. Or compassionate unpaid counsellors who hear every story and situation from the fare payers who enter their work space.

Everybody has a story and each person who enters the cab could be a potential jumper, non-fare payer or leave them with a lot of unnecessary mess in their cab back or front.

The atmosphere builds up with tension as the driver confronts his non-paying taxi fare, whom he has nicknamed “Dippy” as she clearly has a lot of unresolved issues and is incredibly vague about the horse she is taking her children to view and potentially buy. The logistics of how she will look after one appear not to have crossed her mind.

RANK builds up a strong narrative and the descriptions are clear and you can imagine where the driver is going and feel his anxiety rise.

However, I felt the story was cut short and there are many unanswered questions which would benefit from an additional five minutes to clarify the outcome. I felt invested in the characters especially the taxi driver who was simply trying to get through another day at work dealing with the Great British public and all that entails.

Overall a very good piece of writing and an excellent solo performance by writer and actor Dan Gaisford under the debut direction of Archie Rowell.

For more information about the touring production of RANK and future productions at Poole Lighthouse please use the link below.

Four Stars.

https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/rank/

https://www.offpistetheatre.co.uk/

Sat 15th November 2025 | Merlin Theatre, Frome – TICKETS

Thurs 29th January | Dorchester Arts – TICKETS

Fri 30th January | Bridport Arts – TICKETS

Sat 31st January | Lighthouse, Poole – TICKETS + Q&A