Goldfish at Bridewell Theatre: A Conman, a Sick Child and One Very Fishy Promise
By Grace Hatchell
Well, I’ve checked the postbag twice, and it definitely says “magical talking fish”. Usually, the only slippery characters promising to restore your fortune arrive in a leaflet and ask for your bank details.
But this particular fish belongs to Goldfish, Nina Beck’s play heading to London’s Bridewell Theatre from 3 to 7 November 2026. And judging by the premise, I’d keep one eyebrow raised and my purse firmly shut.
Set in the bitter Alaskan winter of 1899, at the end of the Klondike Gold Rush, the story introduces us to Soapy Smith. Inspired by the real-life conman, this Soapy is down on his luck and raising his frail, ill son William alone.
Then comes the fish.
Soapy believes he has discovered a magical talking creature that can save William and turn around the fortunes of those nearby. Quite the claim. Mine would probably just demand a bigger tank and complain about the gravel.
But is this a miracle, a desperate man clinging to hope, or another elaborate trick from somebody who knows exactly how to sell a story? People from Soapy’s past return to test his integrity, including newspaper reporter Tappan Adney, another figure drawn from real life.
I’m already suspicious, but that’s easy enough from the comfort of my chair. Put someone you love in danger and suddenly the promise you’d normally laugh out of the room might sound like the only answer worth hearing.
That tension gives Goldfish its bite. Beneath the unusual premise is a fable about fake news, hysteria and ambition, exploring what people are willing to accept when the truth offers precious little comfort. Alaska might be cold, but the business of selling people what they desperately want to hear remains awfully familiar.
The production describes its flavour as Twin Peaks meeting O Brother, Where Art Thou? Which suggests I should expect considerably more strangeness than a goldfish circling a plastic castle.
Directed by filmmaker Guy McNair-Wilson, the staging promises a minimal set, intense lighting and hidden transitions between scenes. I do enjoy the prospect of a production making us question what we’re seeing while quietly rearranging the world around us. Though if anyone makes my handbag disappear, we’ll be having words.
Ben Keenan takes the lead as Soapy Smith, with Ingrid Werner as Kathleen Power and Sam Newman as Tappan Adney. The company also includes Gus Flind-Henry, Alastair Braidwood, Anthony Evans Pughe, Dougie South, Charlie Lakin and Gemma Fitzwilliams.
Movement comes from Lauren Scott, whose credits include Sadler’s Wells and Breakin’ Convention. Ivor Novello-nominated Simon Slater provides the music, with lighting designed by Rachel Fox.
Goldfish plays at Bridewell Theatre, 14 Bride Lane, London, from 3 to 7 November 2026. Tickets cost £19.50, and the running time is 90 minutes plus an interval. The advertised performance times are 7.30pm and 2.30pm; check the booking page for the schedule on your chosen date.
You can book tickets for Goldfish here.
As for whether Soapy’s fish can deliver everything it promises, I’ll reserve judgement. But if it starts offering investment advice, keep a firm grip on your purse.
