Guest post by Simon Darnley
The London underground map is iconic, instantly recognisable and used daily by millions of Londoners. In 2006 it was voted as one of the most beautiful designs of the millennium. This is the story of Harry Beck, how he designed the map and the personal toll it then took on himself and his wife.
A two hander with Simon Snashall as the obsessive Harry Beck and Ashley Christmas playing not only his loving, dedicated wife but all other parts with great gusto and aplomb. Starting in the late 1920s when they met working on the Underground and singing in the choir, the story spans the next 50 years through the ups and downs of rejection, success, and further rejection.
Harry's passion and obsessive nature was often seen as “troublesome” exploited and dismissed by transport upper management. There was an audible gasp when it was revealed how much they paid Harry who then spent many years updating and improving his diagram for nothing.
With a simple but effective staging with some clever theatrical touches, this is a heartfelt tale that never outstays its welcome in one 70-minute act. Both actors are charming and funny, occasionally breaking the fourth wall and involving the audience who gladly wanted to show off their London Tube knowledge. This is a warm and poignant tribute to a previously forgotten and undervalued man. I found it charming, educational, and occasionally emotional.
This is recommended for everyone, not just train geeks. The London Transport Museum itself is well worth a visit so why not double up.
The Truth About Harry Beck is on that the London Transport Museum's Cubic Theatre in Covent Garden until 10th November 2024.
Written and directed by Andy Burden
Presented by the Natural Theatre company.
The Cubic Theatre, London Transport Museum
Tickets available to book here
Tickets for London Transport Museum
· Museum open daily from 10:00-18:00
· Adult tickets allow free return day-time entry for a whole year – kids go free!
· £1 tickets are available to visitors in receipt of Universal Credit and Pension Credit
Travel to London Transport Museum
· Address: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB
· Walking: Use TfL's walking guides to help you plan your journey.
· The nearest stations to London Transport Museum are:
- Underground: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Charing Cross, Embankment, Holborn
- National Rail: Charing Cross and Waterloo
- Boat: Embankment or Westminster pier
- Bus: Strand or Aldwych
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