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Flashbang

 
Richard Beck Review by Richard Beck 3 Published: 31 Jan 2026 Multiple Venues Show Dates: 27 Jan 2026-31 Jan 2026

In a “little town 20 miles from anywhere important”, there are five lads, of whom one says: “The most exciting thing that ever happened here, happened somewhere else.” Clearly that is currently not the case at Greenwich Theatre, where Proforca Theatre Company have brought Flashbang as part of their tour.

The lasting joy is seeing the next generation of actors exhibit their enthusiasm and talent

Writer James Lewis has compiled an action-packed eighty-five minutes about five lads seeking youthful fun in a place that is not really geared up for it. They met in junior school and decided they should create some recognition of their closeness by forming a gang, although their teacher suggested that this sounded somewhat aggressive and perhaps they would rather just be a group. There was no kudos in that, so they ignored her and stayed together into adulthood. All except one, that is, whose exit from the circle marks the major turning point in the play.

It’s a reflective work in which the four lads, Ryan (Alex Hill), Jason (Charlie Jobe), Andy (Haydn Watts) and Deano (Ben Watts), take us along the path of growing up. The performances are full of energy and the pace is fast, with lines of stories being shared among them. There are plenty of nights out recounted, weekend parties, excessive and sometimes gross behaviour, but it’s all conducted in a spirit of fun and camaraderie and is the sort of stuff that those of us listening can identify with from our own teenage years. To contrast the banter, we are treated to some short monologues which reveal more personal aspects of events and allow feelings and emotions to surface.

Flashbang is a celebration of male bonding and the power of friendship surviving through thick and thin, the good times and the bad times. That spirit can be felt amongst the ensemble, and the casting is well balanced to create four credible yet different characters. Director David Brady, with Lucy Glassbrook in charge of movement, has created a lively piece with just four metal chairs as props on a bare stage, which for some reason has a white rectangle painted in the centre. Projected photographs by Ross Kernahan provide the setting and a commentary on the action, and some stunning lighting effects by Gregory Jordan change the moods.

The boys’ stories, while entertaining, tend to be variations on a theme, without making much progress in terms of a storyline. The big flashbang that changes the direction of the play is predictable from early on, so only the details create interest, while the fallout tends to be overworked and prolonged and there is nothing especially profound in the story.

Hence it remains enjoyable rather than memorable; the lasting joy is seeing the next generation of actors exhibit their enthusiasm and talent.

Amir Nisi

Richard Beck

A graduate in theology and education, Richard acted and contributed to dance, drama and music productions throughout his teaching career. He joined Broadway Baby in 2014 and is now our Editor-in-Chief. He usually disappears to warmer climes for the winter to pursue his passion for travel.

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The Blurb:

noun: flashbang a grenade that produces a bright flash and a loud noise so as to stun or disorient people without causing serious injury; a stun grenade. 

Ryan and his gang were going to be mates forever.  Living their lives in the same cycle as everyone else in a little town 20 miles from anywhere important. Living for the next night out. Living for the weekend. Getting into and out of trouble. Work. Pub. Sleep. Repeat.  Ryan and his gang have seen it all, done it all, lived it all. The nights they wished they could remember and the mornings after they’d rather forget. Ryan and his gang were going to be mates forever - but then came the night when everything changed.

Flashbang is a critically-acclaimed, award nominated rollercoaster ride through the ties that bind five best mates together and what happens to those friends when that world is blown apart. Transferring to Greenwich from the Lion & Unicorn Theatre, Flashbang is written by James Lewis and Directed by David Brady and brought to you by the critically-acclaimed team at Proforca Theatre Company in Association with Greenwich Theatre

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