Hit Machine - SoHo Theatre

There's a particular thrill in watching two actors capture the friction and unspoken affection of siblings so convincingly that you'd be forgiven for assuming some real life history between them. Hit Machine delivers exactly that, with Josh Radnor and Noah Galvin turning in performances so finely tuned to one another that their fraternal chemistry becomes the beating heart of the show.

Hit Machine is a three person play with music, telling the story of Wes and Alex, two brothers who, despite choosing to pursue careers in the same industry, have ended up worlds apart. Alex is a struggling artist, while Wes owns his own record label. The play opens as the two brothers walk into Wes's opulent living room before heading to dinner (which never does happen), and very quickly we come to understand that their relationship is far from easy.

Photography by Bautista Araya

The show (written by Jonathan Caren) handles themes of sibling rivalry, along with some darker undertones which I won't reveal for fear of spoiling the production. This fraternal dynamic feels all too familiar, and I think it is handled with real skill here.

It is very funny, which honestly came as a surprise. It is difficult for American writers to predict how an English audience will respond to their humour, but not only did I find it funny myself, much of the audience was laughing out loud at several points too.

The humour is often quite juvenile, a reminder that although the brothers have grown up, they still needle each other the way they would have as children. The setting may be unfamiliar to most, but I suspect this particular dynamic will resonate widely.

Noah Galvin, as Alex, repeatedly commands the stage. He plays the underdog, yet still holds attention through his mannerisms and the playfulness of his vocal delivery. Josh Radnor is excellent as Wes, nonchalant yet genuinely moving, and the pair's rapport is so convincing that it is easy to forget they are not related off stage as well as on. Khalil Madovi arrives halfway through with comparatively little stage time, but still manages to hold focus.

As mentioned, this is a play with music, and the characters "compose" a handful of songs over the course of the performance. The songs themselves aren't especially memorable, but the moments surrounding them are excellent.

Every element of this 75 minute play is crafted and executed with real skill by a talented cast. Though there are one or two elements still to refine, Hit Machine may well prove to be a hit of its own.

Production Value: 80%

Value For Money: 90%

Personal Enjoyment: 90%

Overall Score: 87% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(AD | gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Soho Theatre, London

Playing Until: 15th August 2026

Run Time: Approximately 75min

Tickets can be purchased from this link.