Punk Rock
Triple Helix Productions
The Dixon Studio
25th - 26th March 2016 (matinee on 26th March)
Triple Helix Productions
The Dixon Studio
25th - 26th March 2016 (matinee on 26th March)
Just as a reassurance to anyone who may be under the impression that Punk Rock is about, well, punk rock, I can reliably inform you that the only form of punk rock you’ll find in Simon Stephens’ play is in the music which punctuates each scene change. This, if I’m honest, was actually quite a relief having never been a fan of Sid Vicious and his anarchic pals’ music; however the shock value that the punks took great pleasure in giving to the conservative masses of the 1970s, is very much prevalent in this production and anyone with an overly sensitive constitution would probably be wise to stay away.
Taking place in the insular world of a grammar school library, we are introduced to the seven 17-year-old students who are about to take their mock exams. There is William (Alfie Clark), the edgy, opinionated, fantasist with an obsession for a male teacher and Lily (Alice Lane), the new girl from out of town, who William desperately wants to ask out; Bennett (Alex Connelly), the bully and his high-achieving girlfriend, Cissy (Summer Kelly); Nicholas (Devante Fleming) the school charmer with a penchant for the older women; Tanya (Emily Graham) the teacher-besotted best friend and of course the geek, Chadwick (Elliot Bigden), the clever kid who is consistently bullied by Bennett.
In the wrong hands, these characters could easily become teenage clichés and this play could simply become another angsty, coming-of-age-type production, however, director Josh Picton has - with great adeptness - guided his actors to play their roles in a convincing and naturalistic way, with just the right amount of light and shade needed for the crucial moments in the play that is required of them.
All of the actors in this production are outstanding, however, Alfie Clark and Alice Lane have some really wonderful moments. I particularly enjoyed the scene with them as William and Lily where they share a mutual contempt for the chavs that hang out at the local shopping centre giving the audience an opportunity to have a chuckle.
The stand-out performance of the night for me though was Elliot Bigden as Chadwick, whose apocalyptic speech whilst standing up to the poisonous bully, Bennett, almost had me standing up and cheering upon his exit. His brilliantly portrayed characterisation of the bright, yet tormented soul was especially endearing and played to perfection.
In fact, the superb acting skills of the cast made it easy for the audience to totally engage into each character’s world and with some fantastically edgy moments building up the tension of the piece, we were often left to witness some quite uncomfortable viewing. This may be a play involving teenagers but there is a lot of relevance for everyone; it also says a lot about human life.
With some inventive staging, the director kept the flow of the play at a fabulous pace along with some well-timed sound and lighting effects adding to the suspense, particularly towards the end where I feel many of the audience were not prepared for what was about to happen and definitely added to the shock value.
I congratulate Josh and his team, Harry Neal and Sam Thomas on putting together what is one of the best amateur drama productions I have seen in a very long time, not least because they are still only in their teens themselves. This is a fabulous piece of theatre and you have to wonder what the possibilities hold for them when they have the mindset and ability to put on such an accomplished production now.
With the three guys off to drama schools and university to study performing arts, drama and lighting design, I think it’s safe to say that the future of theatre is in very safe hands. Remember their names!
Tickets still available if you're quick at www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call box office on 01702 351135
Taking place in the insular world of a grammar school library, we are introduced to the seven 17-year-old students who are about to take their mock exams. There is William (Alfie Clark), the edgy, opinionated, fantasist with an obsession for a male teacher and Lily (Alice Lane), the new girl from out of town, who William desperately wants to ask out; Bennett (Alex Connelly), the bully and his high-achieving girlfriend, Cissy (Summer Kelly); Nicholas (Devante Fleming) the school charmer with a penchant for the older women; Tanya (Emily Graham) the teacher-besotted best friend and of course the geek, Chadwick (Elliot Bigden), the clever kid who is consistently bullied by Bennett.
In the wrong hands, these characters could easily become teenage clichés and this play could simply become another angsty, coming-of-age-type production, however, director Josh Picton has - with great adeptness - guided his actors to play their roles in a convincing and naturalistic way, with just the right amount of light and shade needed for the crucial moments in the play that is required of them.
All of the actors in this production are outstanding, however, Alfie Clark and Alice Lane have some really wonderful moments. I particularly enjoyed the scene with them as William and Lily where they share a mutual contempt for the chavs that hang out at the local shopping centre giving the audience an opportunity to have a chuckle.
The stand-out performance of the night for me though was Elliot Bigden as Chadwick, whose apocalyptic speech whilst standing up to the poisonous bully, Bennett, almost had me standing up and cheering upon his exit. His brilliantly portrayed characterisation of the bright, yet tormented soul was especially endearing and played to perfection.
In fact, the superb acting skills of the cast made it easy for the audience to totally engage into each character’s world and with some fantastically edgy moments building up the tension of the piece, we were often left to witness some quite uncomfortable viewing. This may be a play involving teenagers but there is a lot of relevance for everyone; it also says a lot about human life.
With some inventive staging, the director kept the flow of the play at a fabulous pace along with some well-timed sound and lighting effects adding to the suspense, particularly towards the end where I feel many of the audience were not prepared for what was about to happen and definitely added to the shock value.
I congratulate Josh and his team, Harry Neal and Sam Thomas on putting together what is one of the best amateur drama productions I have seen in a very long time, not least because they are still only in their teens themselves. This is a fabulous piece of theatre and you have to wonder what the possibilities hold for them when they have the mindset and ability to put on such an accomplished production now.
With the three guys off to drama schools and university to study performing arts, drama and lighting design, I think it’s safe to say that the future of theatre is in very safe hands. Remember their names!
Tickets still available if you're quick at www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call box office on 01702 351135
Ask the Audience
Elliot Stavrinou, 15, Hockley
“I didn’t know the play but I thought it was amazing, I really enjoyed it.”
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Lisa Fuller, 44, Hockley “I thought the actor playing William was really really good. Lily was very convincing too, they were both fantastic. The staging of it was good and I liked the long pauses which helped to build the tension.” |
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Andrew Allan, 17, Rochford “This is the first time that I’ve ever seen a play and I didn’t know anything about this one but I thought it was really good. The guy who played Chadwick was amazing, he played the part really well and was very convincing. It was interesting watching them reveal their true feelings." |