Headz (Tour – Liverpool)

Walking into the small studio containing only chairs and an empty space in the middle with a microphone, I wasn't sure how the minimalism of the performance was going to maintain my attention for 2 hours. However, the three short monologues of Headz are captivating, emotional, relevant, humourous and manage to create a personal atmosphere that enhances the success of the performance.

The urban monologues take the audience on an emotional roller coaster; the performance is an almost perfect balance of intense, heart rending moments (particularly during the ‘Out’ monologue) with well timed wit that certainly acts as a relief to the audience as the stories are based on such harrowing topics.

The three monologues are based on true events occurring in Liverpool that, as the writer says, explores "lives…that don't often get represented on the stage". We are invited to look behind the rumours and newspaper articles we hear and see on a day to day basis, and get to know the characters who's stories at first glance may be forgiven to fall into the ‘heard it all before’ category and the people into judgemental stereotypes.

The Issues discussed are incredibly relevant to the youth based audience, including myself, as the performance touches on the prominent messages of teenage pregnancy, love and heartbreak in the first two pieces

After the thought-provoking and cleverly written poem Headz was read out, the first monologue named ‘Baby’ was performed by Abby Melia who steps into the shoes of the 16 year old Jaime, the stereotypical working class ‘chav’ who became pregnant by an underage boy and has chosen to put it up for adoption.

The character of Jaime is particularly witty as we witness, and many of us relate to, the typical scouse ‘chav’ as she sits legs spread open, swearing and distressing over the fact if she kept the baby it would have an ‘Argos' pram. However, her tough, careless exterior begins to slip and at points we witness her vulnerability and emotion as she becomes humble and thoughtful when considering that she may never see the baby grow up. This is what makes the monologue form so useful and effective, as the emotions behind the stories are conveyed so candidly.

The second monologue is too, one which combines humour and sadness as actor Josue Mokhembo takes on the role as ‘soft John’. This story is a refreshing take on heartbreak as we witness the emotions of a male character who feels ‘used’ by the female. The character is endearing and likeable and the monologue is delivered engagingly due to the poignancy of the message, the superb acting and the sheer like-ability and endearing nature of the character.

We are then invited into the life of a closeted gay man, who discovers he is HIV positive after sleeping with only one man. The controversial topic of HIV/Aids in the final monologue undoubtedly changed mine and the majority of the audience perception of a person with Aids, as here you see the 'person', not the disease. And the misconception that a HIV carrier is a ‘slut’ or ‘slag’ is completely destroyed. The story is told tenderly and enacted realistically by Rob Dunn whose acting capabilities are pushed to the limit as he explores the emotions of this complex character. This final performance was a particular crowd pleaser, as on the night I attended, it garnered a standing ovation.

Although a times seeming rather amateurish, Headz is overall, a quirky and thought provoking performance which tackles highly contentious topics whilst delivering strong and meaningful messages, that couldn't be more relevant to today's society. A night with a difference and one that stays with you.

Headz is the Liverpool Playhouse Studio until 5 July and Contact, Manchester on 10 July.