Hit Machine Turns Two Brothers and a Stolen Song Into Soho Theatre’s Best Surprise

Hit Machine | Soho Theatre until 15th August 2026

Two Brothers, A Family Built on Broken Chords, Zero Easy Answers

Hit Machine is a play with songs that explores the music industry, sibling rivalry, male violence, creative theft, plagiarism, and the transformation of pain into art. While this summary might sound grim, the play itself is far from it. It’s a clever, moving, and genuinely brilliant production that offers a fascinating look at the music-making process.

Unlike shows such as Trainspotting: The Musical, which could have benefited from fewer songs, Hit Machine features only three. Surprisingly, I found myself wishing for more here, as the songs, some written and performed live, are genuinely impressive to watch.

Equally impressive is the calibre of the cast and crew. Wes, one of the brothers, is played by Josh Radnor of How I Met Your Mother fame. Alex, the younger brother who stirs up trouble, is portrayed by Noah Galvin, co-writer and star of the wonderful Disney film Theater Camp. Add Khalil Madovi, a real DJ-musician, as Defy the Leader, a role integral to a plot point I won’t reveal, and you have a small studio theatre packed with genuine musicians and fine actors.

This work is still very much in progress, with songs penned by both Madovi and three-time Grammy winner Ben Harper. This collaboration behind the music subtly becomes one of the play’s central themes, a detail I’ll keep under wraps.

The seventy-five-minute performance runs straight through without an interval. Unlike other shows that would benefit from trimming, this is one I’d happily see extended to delve deeper into its themes. As it stands, there’s a slight lull before the final number brings everything roaring back to life.

For those seeking new, evolving work that is both different and genuinely thought-provoking, I highly recommend this production.

Hit Machine is the sound of a play still finding its final shape, and that is exactly why EyeOnLondon says catch it now, while it is raw, loud and three songs away from being something bigger.

For more London arts and culture, visit EyeOnLondon at eye-on-london.com.

[Image Credits | Bautista Araya]

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