Doughnut Drive ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“What if he’s dead…And I’ve killed someone.”

Last year, Bex’s dad died. And Bex aint coping too well… She now heads his car dealership, 'Martin’s Motors' - ironically, while harbouring a driving ban. On the eve before the ban is finally set to be lifted, Bex is seduced by her self-destructive streak and makes a truly MUGGY decision, with deadly consequences. Desperate and spiralling, she turns to her best mate for help. But how exactly is Yaz’s passion for doughnuts and film club meant to fix this shambolic mess? Doughnut Drive explores themes of mental health, grief, friendship, and the impact of self-destructive behaviour on those closest to us.

There’s something instantly charming about Doughnut Drive. It’s chaotic in that very specific, very British way, where everything has gone spectacularly wrong, but you can’t help but laugh anyway. Beneath the humour, though, there’s a surprisingly heartfelt story about grief, friendship, and the kind of questionable decisions that feel almost justified in the moment.

Finella Waddilove’s direction keeps the piece tight and easy to follow, never letting the chaos tip into confusion. It’s clear and concise throughout, with a strong sense of control over the storytelling, even when the characters themselves are spiralling.

Technically, the production is solid across the board. The lighting design works well in shaping the world of the play, even if there are a few moments where it feels slightly overcomplicated (and that’s me being picky). The biggest issue is the pre and post show states are very dark. So much so that audience members were reaching for their phone torches just to find their seats. Atmospheric, yes… but maybe not quite the brightest idea.

Sound design by Cameron Pike is a real standout. The way sound moves around the space is particularly effective and adds a lot to the overall experience. Levels are mostly spot on for such an intimate venue, though a couple of effects (like the phone ringing) feel a bit too loud given how close we are to the action. Still, that’s a small note in an otherwise well-balanced design.

The costumes are nicely understated, grounding the piece in a believable reality. It’s a smart choice, anything more stylised might have felt a bit over glazed for a story that thrives on its authenticity.

At the centre of it all is Finella Waddilove’s writing, which is sharp, funny, and full of heart. The dialogue flows well, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and the pacing generally keeps things moving at a satisfying clip. That said, the opening monologue could do with a little tightening.

The main thing holding the piece back slightly is its runtime. At around an hour, it feels like we’re only getting a taste of what could be something even richer. An extra 15 or so minutes would give the emotional beats more time to land. Because when they do hit, you want them to really stick. As it stands, one key moment feels like it arrives a little too suddenly, rather than building to the gut punch it could be. There’s also more to explore with these characters. Yaz, in particular, feels like she’s only just getting started. We only see the surface, but there’s clearly more underneath that’s worth digging into. It would be great to see more of the friendship between her and Bex played out in real time, rather than just talked about. Similarly, a glimpse into Bex’s relationship with her dad would add emotional depth and help us fully understand the weight she’s carrying.

Performance wise, both actors deliver.

Finella Waddilove as Yaz is instantly likeable. A chaotic, clownish presence with big energy. She brings much of the humour and keeps the audience firmly on side.

Sarah as Bex gives a strong, grounded performance, capturing the character’s emotional instability and vulnerability with ease. She balances the comedy and darker moments well, creating someone who feels messy, real, and completely human.

Doughnut Drive is a funny, heartfelt, and slightly chaotic piece that proves there’s a lot more beneath the surface than first appears. With strong performances, confident direction, and a script that’s packed with humour and heart, it’s an enjoyable watch. Just one that leaves you wanting a little bit more to chew on.

Link to book tickets: https://www.thedraytonarmstheatre.co.uk/doughnut-drive