Reviews

Lord of the Flies

Editorial Staff

Big Spirit Theatre has brought their own adaptation of the William Golding’s novel to the Fringe, and it is successful in that it modernises the plot without distracting from the key themes of the text. The characters are still stranded on an island after a plane crash, but they are modern school children who make leadership decisions with regards to sports teams, have a whistle instead of a conch – and there are even girls thrown into the mix.

The production has kept the staging simple, and the young cast is talented enough to conjure the various scene changes without the need for numerous props or sound effects. The relationship between Ralph (Adam Wotherspoon) and Jack (John Wallis) grows convincingly from boyish competitiveness into a sinister desperation that drives the play forward; however, recognition must go to Dom Creasy who gives an exceptional performance as Simon, with his visionary scene being particularly arresting.

A lot of youth theatre at the Fringe is given encouragement, but the praise it receives often has a patronising edge; however, this performance is good – not in light of the young people who lead it, but because of their spirited, powerful performances.

Big Spirit Theatre will only be performing for a week, so see it while you can.

– Charlotte Pegram