Writer: Will Jackson
Director: Katie Greenall
Make Me Feel is a sweet, coming-of-age play featuring the Bush Young Company – a group of 18-25-year-olds who take part in weekly workshops and free training at the Bush. Make Me Feel is the final show for this cohort and a real display of why this program is so valuable. The play sees this large cast of characters manoeuvring into adulthood, some with more ease than others.
Directed by Bush Associate Director, Katie Greenall, the piece travels through a rolodex of short scenes with sophistication, avoiding feeling like an acting showcase. They use creative and playful devices to bring the show to life, particularly the way messaging and Zoom calls are presented. Set in the round, the action flows seamlessly and is accompanied by a Joshie Harriette’s tight lighting design and XANA’s sound; the 100 minutes fly by.
The Young Company give truthful and energised performances across the board. Some more comfortable and embodied on stage, and some actors feel as though they are in slightly different tonal worlds, but overall, they are a strong, committed ensemble.
Hazel Low’s simple, clever design sees a house frame made of steel looming centre stage. This effective design grounds the actors and evolves through a wide variety of locations. It also boosts the space while not taking up valuable room on stage.
A script by Bush Writers’ Group alumni Will Jackson meets the difficult challenge of featuring every member of the acting company while also creating an entertaining story and taking the audience on an emotional journey. The limited stage time does mean we miss some back story, making it more difficult to connect with certain characters, but the play manages to keep the audience engaged and link the wide array of characters in a very believable way. The flurry of entertaining side characters brings amusement to the piece, and the male characters in particular display a touching truth and vulnerability.
It’s heart-warming to see a variety of young people’s experiences presented onstage, and the play’s gorgeous celebratory final sequence is a perfect ending. This moving, funny and joyous piece feels full of love and is a delight to watch. Who knows where these young actors will end up, and how wonderful it is to be at the beginning of their journeys.
Runs until 23 August 2025
