Fog

TNT

This short, powerfully acted play began life as a drama school audition piece for Toby Wharton, written in collaboration with Tash Fairbanks, a veteran of feminist lesbian theatre and 36 years his senior. Expanded to 80 minutes, and with Wharton convincing as troubled white teenager Fog, it paints a depressing picture of kids in care, and how institutionalised life – be it as an adult in the armed forces or as a fostered child – fails to support its “graduates” in the outside world.

Ten years after leaving his children in care after the death of his wife, Fog’s dad (Victor Gardener’s muscular ex-sergeant, all pent up frustration at the lack of opportunity) is out of the army and hoping to make a new life for himself and his children.

But they’re all damaged goods and it’s too late to make up for the legacy of past neglect.Despite his initial hopes and good intentions, their prospects seem as bleak as their tower block flat and only Fog’s black friend Michael and his protective, aspirational sister look set for a bright future in Ché Walker’s disturbing, street smart production.

Finborough, Finborough Road, SW10 9ED Tube: Earl’s Court Tube (0844 847 1652) Until January 28 (£11- £15) finboroughtheatre.co.uk