Punk Rock **** TNT
The jarring music which punctuates the scenes of Simon Stephens’ disturbingly pessimistic new play echoes the unsettled teenage angst of a handful of middleclass 17-year-olds as they embark on their final year at school. Exams loom, peer pressure and parental expectations are a constant anxiety, and a disproportionate number of these bright young things are in emotional turmoil.
The rigid formality of the sixth form library (where they congregate between classes at their fee-paying Stockport grammar school) forms a striking contrast to the psychological and hormonal turbulence of its occupants. But it also creates an isolated, stifling hothouse in which these articulate young people in their maroon uniforms make the transition to adulthood.
Some seem to be doing more or less okay - though the otherwise sensible Tanya (who fails to conform to the super-slim image promoted by the media) has a crush on an unseen teacher, straight “A” student Cissy has her confidence knocked by an unexpectedly low grade, and even apparently well-adjusted sportsman Nicholas is too embarrassed to have his sexual relationship with new girl Lilly made public.
But there’s far deeper disquiet and disturbance simmering. Lilly (Jessica Raine) acts cool but self harms. Remote, precocious Chadwick in his luminous green jacket is an obvious target for the attentions of sadistic bully, Bennett, whose cockiness belies his underlying insecurity. And William (Tom Sturridge making an astonishing professional stage debut) is a troubled fantasist, his thoughts streaming faster than he can process them.
Stephens (himself a former teacher) isn’t tackling new ground – echoes of Lord of the Flies, Spring Awakening and a couple of more recent novels and films all come to mind – but that doesn’t detract from the growing intensity of Sarah Frankcom’s production, the convincingly strong performances from the relatively inexperienced cast or the powerfully climactic moments of this disconcerting drama.
Lyric Hammersmith, King Street, W6 0QL (0871 221 1726) Hammersmith Tube. Untill September 26. £10-25 (special offers for under 26s at anightlessordinary.org.uk
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