The Hub is ultimately a feel good comedy about following your dreams and the consequences of this pursuit. Feri Tezcan certainly has a knack for writing solid sitcom style comedy. The play centres on the lives of four continuity announcers and a technician at a TV company. Faith has recently returned from LA to her old job, and old life, and has to endure the awkward situation of working with her ex boyfriend Alan, who she left heartbroken when she departed for Hollywood. Alan and Faith work well as the straight characters of this piece, whilst the others (eccentric cake baking charity worker Mary, geeky jobs worth Richard and camp Welshman Jimmy) take on more of the stereotyped roles, adding the humorous elements to the script. The humour in this script is a little hit and miss, but when it works it is extremely successful. There are some genuine laugh out loud moments, particularly the Off her Trolleywood storyline at the end. The announcement platform works effectively as a theatrical device and is used well as a mouthpiece for Faiths honest monologue at the end of the play. However there are other parts that seem a little bit dated, with predictable punch lines. Jokes are sometimes shoehorned in to the detriment of character relationships. However what is lacking at times in the script is made up for by the performances of this five-strong cast. The comic timing of all involved is impeccable, particularly Matt Green whose deadpan delivery is a joy to watch. There is nothing particularly new or cutting edge about the comedy in The Hub but it is inarguably a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. The jokes come thick and fast, direction is slick and well paced and the performances are superb.
