Dial 1 for UK

Dial 1 for UK is a solo show following the journey of an Indian call centre worker who becomes an undocumented migrant worker in the UK. It blends humour, movement, and real-life experiences to explore identity, hope, and resilience in a foreign country.

Under the expert guidance of director Phil Willmott, the production strikes a rich balance between humour and emotional truth. Mathur is given space to shine, and the direction never competes with the performance—it enhances it. The transitions are seamless, and the framing allows us to follow the internal shifts of Uday Kumar’s world with absolute clarity.

Set designer Caitlin Abbott delivers a deceptively simple environment that nonetheless works hard for the story. With minimalist elements. A mobile phone, and a few evocative props—the space transforms with remarkable fluidity into the crowded call-centre in New Delhi. The clever economy of design means nothing distracts; instead, every object and every shift in space feels purposeful, pointing us toward Uday’s evolving reality rather than just telling it. It’s elegant, functional design that quietly elevates the narrative.

Lighting designer Rachel Sampley utilises light as a subtle storyteller. Warm and optimistic hues accompany Uday’s dreams of London glamour, while cooler, muted tones mark the later scenes of isolation and disillusion. The lighting shifts feel emotionally tuned—not flashy, but deeply effective. A few moments linger longer than necessary, giving the audience time to absorb, but trimming just a beat or two might help sharpen the impact further.

Sound designer Ansuman Biswas crafts an immersive auditory world—calling-centre buzz, YouTube notification ping, the quiet ticking of an unfamiliar clock in a foreign flat, and the hustle and bustle of London. The soundscape supports every scene change and emotional beat, never dominating but always reinforcing. Dialogue was crystal clear, ambient sounds add texture without distraction, and the overall mix maintains consistent balance. Even the pre-show sounscape was really nice to hear and immediately captured your attention.

Mohit Mathur’s script is refreshingly incisive and emotionally grounded. He writes with wit and empathy, using humour to puncture assumptions and tenderness to reveal vulnerability. The narrative travels from fantasy to reality with sharp turns and quiet revelations, offering both laughter and sobering insight. The only caveat: a slightly brisker pace in the final scenes would align better with the momentum of the opening, but that small critique doesn’t diminish the strength of the work.

As writer-performer, Mathur is nothing short of captivating. He inhabits Uday with warmth, humour and the slightest edge of bitterness—making us root for him even as we silently question his choices. He switches accents, registers and moods seamlessly, creating multiple characters through one body and one voice with astonishing clarity. His stage presence holds the entire theatre in suspension: one moment you’re laughing, the next your throat tightens a little. A truly impressive solo performance.

Dial 1 for UK is a smart, affecting piece of theatre—funny and thought-provoking in equal measure. It navigates identity, migration and belonging with heart and honesty, propelled by a compelling performance and confident production values. A debut that signals a major new talent on the UK stage.

Dial 1 for UK is currently out on a UK tour so use the link below to get your tickets now: https://www.mohitmathur.co.uk/dial-1-for-uk-tour