A testament to the importance of living life to its fullest
Soundtracked by classic 90s’ dance tunes and set in the post-Thatcher North, Children of the Night is a coming-of-age tale that’s as gritty as it is glittery, writes Melina Block.
Danielle Phillips gives an intensely raw performance as Lindsay Jenkins, a teenage girl from Doncaster teetering on the edge of youthful naivety and adult tragedy. Phillips doesn’t hold back, balancing the laughs with genuinely unsettling moments. She is joined by best friend Jen, a confident and bubbly Charlotte Brown, and Gareth Redcliffe as her often-frustrated but always-loving father, Terry.
The power of the play lies in its ability to explore the tension between the vulnerability and invincibility that underpin youth, especially for young women. Phillips is key to this, providing ample warmth and depth to her portrayal of Lindsay, preventing her from becoming solely an archetype or cautionary figure.
The hedonism and hope of first nights out are amplified by frenetic lighting and music, as is the darker underbelly of nightlife, as the young girls navigate increasingly precarious situations with predatory, bigoted men. The looming threat of HIV also lurks: a constant reminder of the disproportionately harsh consequences of impulsive decisions, and the even harsher treatment of those deemed to be from the more disposable corners of society.
Although there are some unsettling and bleak scenes, Children of the Night is, ultimately, a joyful production. The blaring music, garish (but fun) costumes, and unrelenting spirit of the characters all shine through even the darkest moments. A testament to the importance of living life to its fullest and looking out for each other, this play really does earn the – often overused – description of ‘life affirming’.
Southwark Playhouse Borough until April 4th.
Booking and full details: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/children-of-the-night/
