Zoe Muller has captured the essence of teenage angst and the hottest topic amongst the youth of today – bullying – with this adaptation of the Jackie French novel.
The assembled cast of very young performers obviously dedicated a lot of time to the process of researching the emotions and feelings revolving around this all too present issue in today’s society.
The audience were treated to the full range of emotions during the performance from joy, sorrow, fear, teenage love both reciprocated and un-requited, elation, threats, rejection and loss. The cast portrayed their characters without holding back. You felt like you were transported back to your own teenage days and remembered all too well the feelings that you endured.
Connor Ferguson as Mike gave a stellar performance of a young man torn between wanting to fit in with his peers but also having a conscience and doing the right thing. Hamish Phillips as Lance showed ability well beyond his years running the emotional gamut from almost puppy adoration and need for acceptance to dark loathing and homicidal tendencies.
Deadset are setting the bar for theatre for youth by youth and it is an absolute credit to them. Keep up the great work.