Theatre / Bristol old vic
Review: T**** You
Sometimes 50 minutes can feel like hours. Other times the same period passes in a flash. T***k You, the latest show from Bristol Old Vic Young Company, is the latter sort of 50 minutes: my only complaint being that it ends far too soon.
They stand before us, a diverse group of young people, some 5’6, others 6’1. They feel ignored and have had enough. This group has things to say, and they demand we listen.
T***k You is a newly devised show about the issues that matter to the Young Company. It takes the form of a series of sketches, songs, dances, monologues and arguments, each one looking at a different aspect of life today.
All pics: Paul Blakemore
Working with director Lisa Gregan, the company have come up with a short show that’s clever, funny, and angry; well-rehearsed, and slickly presented. They’ve worked hard to ensure each individual gets chance to showcase their talents. There are some fantastic performances but this is an ensemble piece and it would be wrong to namecheck some and not others – all 17 are quite brilliant.
We hear their thoughts on what’s wrong with the world and see their ideas about what could make it right. Judging by the applause the line got, if increasing the price of the Mail, Express and Sun while decreasing that of the Guardian and i newspapers had been in Corbyn’s manifesto perhaps he’d be Prime Minister now.
With this show the Young Company hope to challenge perceptions, but they’ve made a few assumptions of their own too. They believe we (their parents, grandparents and other elders) think they’re obsessed with social media, celebrities and themselves. They believe we don’t care about their opinions and only act in our own best interests.
They should know that many of us are already listening, already know the value of conversation, and are already painfully aware that our choices today change their tomorrows too.
The nation has made some shocking political choices in recent elections and our future can feel not just uncertain but also rather scary. This group of young people offer a glimmer of hope that in their hands it might just be OK. Perhaps they can’t save the world, but Bristol’s theatre scene certainly looks safe for some time to come.
T*** You continues at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College Theatre until Saturday, August 5, as part of Bristol Old Vic’s Studio Walkabout Season. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/thank-you.html
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