Review: PLASTIC, Old Red Lion Theatre

Ah secondary school - the most important time in any persons life. The years where you make the best memories, meet the most exciting people and have zero care in the world. That place where nothing really matters and everything seems pretty chill - right?

Hmm, I'm not so sure and Kenneth Emerson's bleakly written thriller certainly also begs to differ, painting the picture that educational institutions aren't all they're cracked up to be. Particularly in this play, there isn't much hope for any of the characters; each has their own personal problems and challenges they must rise above.

One wants to lose their virginity, another faces the stress of being with someone that's underage and the other two are battling bullies and their own insecurities left right and centre. Both teens and adults tell this story of 90s nostalgia, and four narratives are intertwined to create a 70-minute jolting rollercoaster that captivates as much as it alienates.

Pretty light bulbs dangle on moveable swings, glowing reds, greens, blues and yellows depending on the plays current mood. Whilst the lighting is well utilised, the SFX provides an unwanted distraction. The volume is too low, meaning it's hard to hear and grasp the meaning behind why it's used, and at the same time it also distracts from the dialogue.

Footie matches, smoking behind the bike sheds and decapitated pigs heads are just some of the things we hear about. We never see any of these images so really rely on the performers to activate our imaginations. They do achieve this, and effectively master Emerson's lyrical text.

However, there's always that moment within a play - you know the one I'm talking about; the incident everyone waits for - the one that alters the lives of everyone involved irreversibly. And it definitely does, but in this case, I'm not sure why said incident had to happen.

It certainly comes as a massive shock, but the moment surprises because it feels like an unrealistic addition. It really pulls you out of the action and takes a way from so much of the brilliant work that's been done prior to it. The ending's triteness leaves a sour note, which is a real shame, because for the most part the play keeps you on a real cliff edge.

Plastic at the Old Red Lion until 21 April

Photo credit: MATHEW FOSTER

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