The Truth About Harry Beck at the Cubic Theatre, located within the London Transport Museum, is a fascinating and heartfelt exploration of the man behind one of London's most iconic designs: the diagrammatic Tube map. Written and directed by Andy Burden and produced by the Natural Theatre Company, this 65-minute play balances humor, history, and emotional depth to illuminate the life of Harry Beck, a figure often overshadowed by his creation.
The intimate Cubic Theatre, cleverly upholstered in Transport for London (TFL) moquette patterns, sets the perfect stage for this warm and engaging production. The play uses a minimalist set, featuring a drafting table and domestic elements that evoke the Becks’ home life, while vibrant visual representations of the Tube map bring the story to life. Particularly striking is the use of colorful ribbons to create a living version of the map, symbolizing the evolution of Beck's groundbreaking design.
The story is set during Harry Beck's later years, with flashbacks that recount his journey from an apprentice signalman to the creator of the revolutionary schematic Tube map. The plot deftly balances his professional triumphs and struggles with his personal life, focusing on his relationship with his wife, Nora, who played a significant role in supporting his vision. While Beck's passion for his work is inspiring, the play also examines the toll it took on his personal life and mental health, as his obsession with perfecting the map strained his relationships.
The cast is led by Simon Snashall as Harry Beck and Ashley Christmas as Nora. Their chemistry is natural and engaging, bringing warmth to the narrative. Snashall portrays Beck with a mix of charm and intensity, capturing both his visionary brilliance and his moments of vulnerability. Christmas complements him beautifully, adding humor and grounding to the story as she juggles her role as Nora and other supporting characters, including key figures in London Transport’s history.
The play celebrates Beck as an everyman with extraordinary vision, highlighting his refusal to accept a system that didn't serve the public efficiently. It delves into his determination to create a user-friendly map, even in the face of rejection and lack of recognition during his lifetime. The audience is invited to reflect on themes of innovation, resilience, and the often-unseen cost of creative genius.
In addition to its historical insights, the production engages audiences with interactive elements. Viewers participate in trivia about Tube stations and watch the map take shape before their eyes, making the experience both educational and entertaining. The witty dialogue, peppered with puns and insider jokes about London transport, adds levity to the narrative, making it accessible to a broad audience.
The Truth About Harry Beck is an absorbing and heartwarming tribute to a man whose work revolutionized urban navigation. Whether you’re a Londoner familiar with the Tube or a visitor curious about its history, this play offers a fresh perspective on a design that has become synonymous with the city. Pairing the production with a visit to the museum, where Beck’s work is showcased alongside the evolution of London’s transport system, makes for a truly enriching experience.
