The Knowledge

The Knowledge is a test every potential Black Cab driver of London must pass. You must learn every road and building within six miles of Charing Cross. It appears an almost impossible feat, but every Black Cab driver does it.

As someone who has lived in London for the majority of their life, I have heard of the Knowledge test but have never really comprehended just how difficult it must be. I found the play a fascinating insight into the course and the struggles someone must go through to complete it. The opening sequence of the play, which featured a number of interviews with actual Black Cab drivers, was an intriguing start to a very informative and interesting show.

It was quite an intimate production looking at a selection of couples each with a member looking to pass the Knowledge of London. The trials and tribulations of completing the course were laid out, and the way the course took over their lives and became a bit of an obsession for each learner was clearly depicted. It was well staged and I have seldom been to a theatre show in which a part of everyday life has been really enlightened for me. It is certainly worth seeing for that.

Overall the show left me with a far greater respect for London Black Cab drivers than I had before. I am absolutely certain this is a career path I will never embark on - the idea of memorising so many street names fill me with dread.