The transition between leaving secondary school and heading into University, or indeed a life of work and paying one’s way, is the subject for this riveting little lunchtime play at theSpace on the mile.
Written by Gemma Carmen in collaboration with the five cast members, this is an exploration of life within a generation of young people just discovering what life is all about outside the safe cocoon of a secondary school.
The combined talents of Rebekah Lucking as Alison, Hannah Santon as Sophie, Alex Tildesley as Maddie, Hannah Aldridge as Ellie and the show’s only boy Stefan Taylor as Tom bring life to characters grappling with self doubt, wonderment and the heartbreak of relationships falling apart between five people who have known each other since childhood.
The show is very much in the mould of ‘Skins’: an exhibition in car crash style theatre, the venue space is small and the fact that they mime most of their props is the only off-putting moment in an interesting and absorbing 50 minutes of teenage angst and right of passage story.
There is a strong sense of direction within the show, ensuring the pace is maintained and it never feels as though it is dragging which is a major plus point. The show did begin to feel a little bit predictable, but a strong and neat ending helped lift the whole play above the average teenage fair and ensures it stays away from Hollyoaks territory, which most teen plays can teeter into.
A taut script, smooth direction and smoother performances combine to ensure this is a watchable hour of drama and one which ensures the audience cares about the characters on stage.
