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The worthy subject of wealth distribution is served less than well by an underpowered script
Considering current economic pressures, Block’d Off is a show that should resonate loudly with the overworked and underprivileged. This solo performance from Camila Segal displays the intertwined livelihoods of a group of London residents in a run-down block of flats. In just over an hour, Segal impersonates and tells the stories of the main victims of this unequal wealth distribution: an elderly Brazilian woman, a group of drug dealers, and a father pushing his daughter towards a better future. 
Pictures: Andrew Perry
Inspired by real-life events, Kieton Saunders-Browne’s script conveys dreams of escaping poverty and addiction but it all feels overly rough at the edges and parts of the plotline overspill from every angle leading to a sense of oversaturation. Excessive swearing and spitting lines with venom seem done to compensate for the actor’s relative inexperience. Moreover, there is a lot of screaming, making the performer jump too close to being irritating rather than energetic and passionate. Segal’s stamina does keep the audience on their toes, but it’s not enough to cover the play’s flaws.
Pleasance Courtyard, until 29 August, 3.10pm.
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Giving people a life since ’85
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