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:

Karen Bussell - 26 October 2010

With the title no preparation for the unfolding tale to come, Simon Stephens’ Punk Rock is a bleak insight into the tensions suffered by high-achieving teenagers and the way in which they cope …or not.

A nominee for the 2010 TMA Awards best new play, The Lyric/Royal Exchange Theatre production was caught mid-tour in Plymouth.

Set in a fee-paying Stockport school’s towering ancient library and concentrating on seven A’ level students, this is a familiar and harrowing insight into the social dynamics experienced by most of our youngsters and the pressures to which they succumb.

And why called Punk Rock? Stephens explains: “Punk rock ..... more often came out of art school than housing estates. It is the musical manifestation of the anger and frustration a lot of middle-class kids feel. It cuts to the quick of that energy.”

So that is the premise: that middle class, bright adolescents are not exempt from teenage angst, mental illness, burgeoning sex...

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Latest User Review

David - 28 October 2010:

Ouch. Only just off a one because of the cast and director who delivered what they could. That three 6th form girls would not tear apart a male bully picking on another boy or girl so brutally was unbelieveable. Felt the same about too many of the relationships. Kids can be brutal: Yes. Kids can end up screwed up: Yes. But caricatures and cartoons are not the answer. The Lionel Schriver novel "We Need To Talk About Kevin", was on a similar theme and was often difficult (in jargon speak - challenging) and grim , but at least it was believeable. Can't say the same about this....

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