Writer: Hannah Morley
Director: Ruby Clarke
This new and exciting writing from Hannah Morley for her debut stage production has totally captured the brilliance of teenage girls.
They can be sassy, shallow, profound, self-conscious, and funny; all these different emotions are captured in a continuous series of short vignettes that cannot fail to grab the audience’s attention. The girls try to make sense of the adult world. Why do you put money in a bank? Daring to say ‘no’ in former times to a proposal of marriage for which the girl should be grateful; misunderstanding how their pop idol does not appreciate the invasion of his privacy and might misinterpret the cake the fan is giving him and the fear of a catastrophic future. The episodes are unrelated but keep coming back to current themes such as body image, sexual awakening, constant screen time, comparing themselves with others, wanting reassurance, dancing and releasing energy.
Teenage girls are powerful and with this simmering energy they just want to scream. Why? Because it feels good. The likes of Greta Thunberg and her mission to get adults to halt climate change, Malala Yousafza bravely championing girl’s education, teenage girls should not be underestimated.
What makes this one act play so compelling is that the five actors are not playing to the audience, rather we are privileged to glimpse at their behaviour. The stage has been cleverly adapted so that the two sides of the audience face each other and the action takes place on a thin stage between. The actors are often seen in profile or they address one another over their shoulders, creating a sense that they are well away from the adult world.
Loud, ‘teenage’ music helps create the atmosphere with the disconnected scenes punctuated by random flashing spotlights and heavy breathing. Ruby Clarke has done a superb job with her direction ensuring that the continuous scene changes have a constant flow to them.
The five teenage girls are totally believable in their numerous roles and create a joyous and, at times, a self-centred portrayal of what it is to be a teenager. Wearing pink appears to be the order of the day and the actors seamlessly manage their multiple yet simple costume changes.
For high energy and fun, this production will make you reflect on the life, obsessions and potential of teenage girls. They are not to be dismissed; they are powerful.
Runs until 14 October 2023
