Mogadishu **** TNT

The state of inner city schools may be driving teachers and parents to distraction, but it’s providing fertile ground for dramatists and thought-provoking entertainment for theatregoers who are no doubt extremely grateful that they don’t have to face a classroom of disruptive adolescents on a daily basis.

Following hot on the heels of the “Schools Season” at the Bush, Vivienne Franzmann’s accomplished, hard-hitting new play (her first) looks at the politics of the playground - and of the headmaster’s study - when known troublemaker Jason, already facing permanent exclusion, falsely accuses popular white teacher Amanda (Julia Ford) not only of pushing him but also of racial abuse when she intervenes to break up a fight.

Sweet-talking the girls and reminding the boys of loyalty owed, disaffected Jason (a simmering, menacing Malachi Kirby) coerces his reluctant gang into corroborating his lies. He’s fully aware that his future hangs in the balance, he won’t back down and the situation escalates with devastating effects.

With twelve years’ teaching experience behind her, Franzmann (a deserving joint winner of the Bruntwood Playwriting Competition) knows what she’s talking about and, apart from a couple of instances which don’t completely ring true, convincingly captures both the dilemma faced by Ian Bartholomew’s weak head (caught up in the bureaucracy of Child Protection legislation) and the consequences of the allegations on Amanda and her family.

The teenagers’ banter is constantly on the verge of erupting into something more threatening and Matthew Dunster’s sharp, well-acted production appropriately encircles the pupils in wire fencing, their schoolyard a mini urban warzone where the toughest survive and bullying – not exam results - rules.

Lyric Hammersmith, King Street, W6 0QL (0871 221 1726) lyric.co.uk Tube: Hammersmith Until April 2 (£10 - £25)