Southwark Playhouse Borough will host the world premiere of Bren Gosling’s comedy-drama Invisible Me this spring. Running from 8 April to 2 May 2026, the production stars Only Fools and Horses favorite Tessa Peake-Jones alongside James Holmes and Kevin N Golding. The play explores the romantic antics and emotional vulnerabilities of three sixty-year-old Londoners, proving that the search for companionship remains vital at any age.
James Holmes, widely recognized as Clive from the BBC sitcom Miranda, plays Jack, an HIV+ widower navigating life after the loss of his partner of 35 years. He is joined by EastEnders actor Kevin N Golding, who portrays Alec, a divorced father and former punk rocker struggling with estrangement from his children. Tessa Peake-Jones completes the trio as Lynn, a hotel cleaner seeking a fresh start after escaping a long-term abusive marriage.
The production marks a rare exploration of sexagenarian dating within British theatre. It tackles themes often ignored on stage, including sudden bereavement, the social implications of living with HIV, and the sobering necessity of community in later life. Set against the backdrop of an increasingly digital society, the characters confront the daunting yet humorous challenges of the modern dating pool.
Writer Bren Gosling and director Scott Le Crass aim to make visible the "ordinary" lives that are frequently overlooked by contemporary culture. Peake-Jones expressed her excitement about the project, noting that the play beautifully captures the idea that life’s most exciting chapters do not end at sixty. The intimate setting of Southwark Playhouse Borough provides an ideal venue for a story that balances raw vulnerability with the frivolities of a "second youth."
Produced by BACKSTORY and Olivier-nominated producer Joe Brown, Invisible Me is a heartfelt call for connection. The creative team includes set designer David Shields and sound designer Julian Starr, who help bring the trio’s London world to life. Press night is scheduled for Friday 10 April, with tickets ranging from pioneers’ previews to standard concessions throughout the month-long run.
