The music world's A-list has descended upon London's Soho Theatre, with Jonathan Caren's 'Hit Machine' firing on all cylinders - or so it seems. Josh Radnor, star of hit TV show 'How I Met Your Mother', and Noah Galvin, fresh from his breakthrough in 'Dear Evan Hansen', take centre stage as the estranged Wes and Alex brothers in this ambitious three-hander. Directed by Daniel Bailey, acclaimed for his work on 'Red Pitch', and featuring a Grammy-winning score by Ben Harper, 'Hit Machine' is an unapologetic blockbuster that attempts to tackle heavy subjects like masculinity, creative appropriation, and family trauma through the lens of music.
The action unfolds in Wes's sleek, high-tech lair, where music is the lifeblood. But beneath the surface, the brothers' relationship is a toxic mess. Wes, the driven music mogul, clashes with Alex, his younger sibling who's still searching for approval. As their argument reaches a fever pitch, the play's central theme emerges: the power of music to heal old wounds and bridge the gaps between us.
But while Daniel Bailey's direction is characteristically unassuming, the script falters when it tries to scale new heights. The characters' emotional shifts - from childlike exuberance to full-blown mania - feel abrupt and unrealistic. Critics argue that these plot twists are resolved too easily, failing to truly grapple with the complexities of childhood trauma.
Khalil Madovi's brief appearance as Defy the Leader adds a much-needed injection of energy to proceedings. His character raises important questions about the societal pressures faced by Black men in the public eye - but this thread is left dangling, lacking the depth and development it so desperately needs.
Despite its A-list cast and high-concept themes, 'Hit Machine' ultimately falls flat. With only one song performed in full, the production feels like a missed opportunity to truly explore the music world's darker side. The result is a play that promises much but delivers little - except perhaps for a glimpse of what could have been.
'Hit Machine' continues at the Soho Theatre until 15 August 2026. Will it find its groove and hit all the right notes, or will it remain stuck in neutral?