Using Tony Blair's famous mantra of, 'Education, Education, Education' for the title, this is a 'Bad Education'-esque comedy play set in a comprehensive school during Tony Blair's tenure as Prime Minister (1997 to be precise), and during the 65-minute run (without interval), we see both staff and pupils trying to cope with a rather inept but well-meaning headmaster (Neil Boardman), whose grip on both the school and reality is sadly lacking. During the course of the play - which is set as a series of interconnecting vignettes which take place through just one school day - we see a friendly, well-meaning drama teacher struggle with discipline and the wrath of her colleagues, whilst the most disruptive and problematic student in the school, Emily (Mahlia Pope) is being shunned and ignored by those who should be trying to help her. It is the first day for Tobias (Owen Rowntree), a German teaching assistant, who, despite his lack of knowledge of the school system etc, and his apparent disgust at the way things are being run, he is the only one who is able to make a connection with Emily and he becomes her salvation - but it may already be too late for the drama teacher...!
The use of music throughout, and the many references to Manchester bands was an interesting touch, but the music did, at times, overpower the dialogue and pull focus. Seated as I was at the back of the theatre, I also must point out that some voices did not carry to the rear of the auditorium, and some simply spoke too quickly for me to catch every word. This was a shame, since audience closer to the stage laughed and I did not since I could neither hear nor understand sufficiently (especially when speaking over music).
The cast of 8 worked well together, changing their characters from scenelet to scenelet - from teacher to student and back, and the changes were swift and smooth. Directed by James Henderson and Ewan Sowerby, the pace was kept light and flowing, and the story easy to follow, with some nice characterisations coming through.
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
on - 25.4.25
No comments:
Post a Comment