Tight script, snappy pace and bold acting
A searing and hilarious depiction of coming of age in England’s overlooked towns, The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return is a masterclass in political theatre, writes Melina Block.
Writer Sam Edmunds portrays the lives of working-class teenagers with empathy; he clearly knows the world he is exploring. We follow best friends Voice (Nathaniel Christian) and Lewis (Elan Butler) across one fateful night of partying in their hometown of Luton. Between trying to acquire alcohol, flirt with their crushes and pick out outfits, the threat of an uncertain future and senseless violence bubbles in the background, eventually spilling over.
If this all sounds somewhat bleak or Extremely Serious, be assured that it is not. Above all, The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return is a lot of fun. With a tight script, snappy pace and bold acting, this play will grab your attention and grip you right until the end. The music is great, the pop culture references are hilarious and the tone is electric.
Edmunds’ script and the cast’s performances are clearly tapped in to the reality of this country’s youth culture, lending an essential layer of authenticity to the production. The show never feels voyeuristic or preachy, but it still conveys a strong message. The oppressive despair of austerity Britain and the deadly consequences for those on the fringes of society are laid bare. At the same time, these characters are witty, energetic and cautiously optimistic. Their lives, goals and struggles are complex and treated with respect, rather than reduced to stereotypes or cautionary tales.
An exciting show – and an important one – The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return is one of the most convincing arguments for why diversifying the kinds of stories told in theatre pays off. Not only is this a fresh and exciting examination of our current times – it is simply a great night out.
Southwark playhouse until 27th September.
Booking and full details: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-chaos-that-has-been/
