This lively bunch of performers from Kett Sixth Form College in Norwich have put together a piece of theatre about the dangers of over indulging in alcohol. Cleverly based around a reality/game show format introduced by Ant (Gareth Rowlands) and Dec (Luke Oakley), we find through flashbacks what happened to four young friends on the previous Friday night drinking binge.
Christy Johns gives a truthful and moving performance as Sarah, who we discover fared worst of all as she was raped by a stranger she met who drugged her drink. The rest of the acting is much patchier, though Joels Pudwells Darren has his moments as we discover he was beaten up for getting so drunk he spilled someones drink. Natasha Lavery is often funny as Leanne.
The piece also has some interesting things to say about the causes of binge drinking in the young. Sheri Sadds Kelly, for example, has been exposed to alcoholism in the home and thinks its normal.
I understand the intention is for this to be a touring show, but in spite of the ingenious game show spoof it still comes across as preachy and Im not sure its not telling kids anything they dont already know. Still, its a worthy objective performed with enthusiasm.
One major point of irritation. The show was ruined for me, and I assume the other punters, by the forced hysterical laughter of the adults in charge of the company (director, photographer, publicist etc) who also sat in the audience. Sometimes they even laughed before a moment or punch line. Perhaps they were only trying to encourage their young charges, but it merely emphasised the fact that the show really isnt very funny at all. They should shut up and let the paying public react genuinely.
Adults, eh, enough to drive you to fucking drink.
