Review: THE WOLVES, Theatre Royal Stratford East

This is a play about the highs and lows of teen development, exploring what it means to be a girl today. And despite being set in America, the themes are universal to all. As one of the characters points out, football - or, in this case, soccer - is a sport that's played everywhere and therefore it needs no vocal language.

Sarah DeLappe's writing puts nine detailed and diverse voices on stage, which overlap, argue, debate and harmonise with one another, to create a choral ensemble with a genuinely authentic feel. Even though they are a group of individuals, instead of names they're given numbers, meaning they sync into one organism - 'The Wolves', a brilliant team.

In creating this production, the team have combined professional football training with movement direction, thus adding to its original feel. They never actually play the game they love so much; instead, we see them carry out warm-ups and physical drills, which is surprisingly rhythmic to watch.

Ellen McDougall's production places a lot of trust in the text, and you can see why. It's been written so well, all the actors need to do is surrender to it. And because they do, the stage is constantly alive. They seem to be having lots of fun. It's witty, poignant and urgent; the lines bounce back and forth between them, and they never drop the ball once.

These women are dynamic, decisive, determined and deserving. They're nobody's but their own person. It's incredibly refreshing to watch young women have a conversation that doesn't involve boys or some form of trauma. They don't need to. What they offer on stage is lots of fun, with a kick of politics, identity and danger.

With this outstanding production, Theatre Royal Stratford East might finally have its mojo back.

The Wolves at Theatre Royal Stratford East until 17 November

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

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