Punk Rock

Synopsis

William Carlisle. The world at his feet. Its weight on his shoulders. Intelligent. Articulate. F***ed. As the end of term approaches, a group of sixth-formers prepare themselves for the end of their school lives. But as the world begins to open up before them, they are faced with the very real danger it could swallow them whole.

Our Review:

Simon Tavener - 4 November 2010

It is very difficult as a reviewer not to build up some preconceptions about shows you are about to review. I knew very little about Punk Rock before arriving at the theatre and will admit to a certain amount of reluctance.

I need not have worried – it is an explosive piece of theatre given a very strong production.

As a play about sixth form students preparing for exams and life after school, it is inevitable that people will start to compare it to The History Boys. This would be a mistake. Bennett’s concern is with the place of education, Punk Rock is very much more about the modern pressures on teenagers.

Simon Stephen’s muscular writing creates a group of characters who are heightened versions of their real life counterparts. Their behaviour and concerns are ratcheted up a notch for the sake of the drama – and for me, it is this that gives the work a power that I was not expecting.

The usual teenage themes of self-harm, ex...

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