Writers: Suzann McLean and David Fielding, based on Alex Wheatle’s novel
Director: Suzann McLean
Peckham Fringe returns, and its first show is a hit. Based on the YA novel by Alex Wheatle, Witness tells the story of young teenager Cornell attempting to find his way in a world of toxic masculinity and postcode wars. Studying at a PRU school (a Pupil Referral Unit, an educational institution for pupils deemed too disruptive to attend state schools), Cornell is asked by another boy to join a “mission’ which leads him to become a witness to a serious crime.
Suzann McLean and David Fielding’s play feels terrifyingly real from the classroom to the streets. The banter and swagger of the students, as they prepare for a presentation, are thrillingly authentic and often very funny. One can easily sympathise with the exasperated teacher whose pleas for no swearing fall on deaf ears.
Cornell is one of the quieter pupils, perhaps because he finds reading difficult. It’s not mentioned, but from the way he describes how letters move around, he probably has dyslexia. Naomi has ADHD, while Ryan can’t sit still. Bootsy is loud and boisterous, and Marcus hardly says a word. But when Patsy, Ryan’s girlfriend, relates how she has been hit on by a boy from another school, Ryan wants revenge and persuades Cornell to help him get it.
Knowing that this “mission” is imminent provides Witness with palpable tension, and the fight scenes which follow are expertly and frighteningly choreographed by Fight Director Kiel O’Shea. The aftermath is also finely played as Cornell and his family struggle to find the right path.
Witness boasts a large cast, but all the actors give standout performances. As Cornell, Albert Magashi is on stage for the entire 75 minutes, and Cornell’s anguish towards the end of the play is deftly handled by the young actor. Jermaine Dominque is the teacher, Mr Greaves, but he also pops up later as Cornell’s father, the only character who can see a way through the complex situation layered with loyalty and fear. Eathan Moses is hilarious as the eager but ignored Marcus, and it’s a shame that we don’t see more of him. Romeo Mika is endearing as Bigger, who also participates in the mission.
Krysstina Frempong gives a vulnerability to Patsy, while writer/director Suzann McLean brings relatable unease to Cornell’s mother. Kayla-Mai Alvares, too, is impressive as Ange, Cornell’s younger sister. But all the cast is finely rehearsed for a play that is only to be played three times at Peckham Fringe. On Mariangela Mazzeo’s set, the scene changes are seamless; there really isn’t a wasted moment here
There are hopes that this production could visit schools, and there’s no doubt that it will be instructive to a younger generation, especially with Witness’s ambiguous ending that will provoke discussion when the lights go up. However, this play could also have a future outside of schools, telling, as it does, a real life that we rarely see in theatres.
Runs until 4 May 2026
Peckham Fringe runs until 5 June 2026
