Getting Rekt
Written and performed by Jamie Noski
Ambitious, Brave and sharply observed
★★★and a half
When we first encounter Rek (real name Derek ), he is a swaggering, boastful womaniser prowling the clubs of Croydon, perhaps somewhere like the Blue Orchid or Tiger Tiger.
Beneath the bravado, however, lies a much more complicated young man. By day, Rek works as a care assistant in an elderly care home while harbouring ambitions of making it as a grunge artist.
This semi-autobiographical play follows Rek as he attempts to find his place in the world. His unconventional approach to care often puts him at odds with the rules, preferring to side with residents, providing alcohol alongside medication. Among them is Zofia, a wheelchair user living with dementia, with whom Rek forms a strong bond, partly through their shared Polish heritage.
When Zofia expresses a wish to see sunflowers in December, Rek decides to break the rules once again and "breaks out" of the care home for the day. What follows is a frequent tender, often funny, and occasionally heartbreaking, chaotic journey across London.
At its heart, Getting Rekt explores trauma, identity and the unlikely friendships developing across generations.
As a performer, Jamie Noski works exceptionally hard. The show has so many ideas delivered with remarkable energy and commitment. His enthusiasm is infectious, with real stage presence.
I particularly found how Rek gains an appreciation of art through JMW Turners “Evening Star” quite moving.
Because every conversation is filtered through a single performer, fast-moving exchanges are sometimes difficult to follow, with distinctions between different voices, accents and physical mannerisms occasionally blurring. I occasionally struggled to work out, who said what.
Also, we don't have the opportunity to observe reactions unfolding naturally in real time. As a result, some of the emotional depth between Rek and Zofia is lost. Their relationship deserves more room to breathe.
The play would benefit from tighter running time. Maybe a sixty-minute version could provide greater focus on the central friendship while trimming some of the peripheral encounters. Alternatively, the use of off-stage voices could help clarify storytelling and strengthen the emotional impact.
Jamie demonstrates real talent both as a writer and performer. His writing feels fresh and distinctive, while his performance displays tremendous energy, precision, and charisma.
For a debut work, Getting Rekt is an impressive achievement: ambitious, brave, sharply observed and unmistakably original. By the end, you'll find yourself cheering on this unlikely pair and their mission to find sunflowers in the middle of winter.
Directed by Finella Waddilove with original music by Jack Bales.
The Union Theatre, 21-24 September 2026
Venue information: Union Theatre - Getting Rekt
Running time: 70 minutes
Recommended age: 15+
Contains strong language and themes of dementia.
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