The Grid (Liverpool)

It's 2034 and the world is a very different place to the one we once knew, and one where the internet is in charge in the running of our lives. A tiny chip the size of a grain of rice is inserted into your palm, and you are part of The Grid, where your health, personal well being and social connections are monitored.

It really is a virtual world where learning becomes browsing on line and information about anyone is shared and read by everyone who wants to know. Virtual relationships are created all the time and everything is controlled by The Grid. So, what happens when that control starts to malfunction and people begin to fall off The Grid?

Devised and performed by YEP (Young Everyman Playhouse) The Grid is a powerful piece of theatre that tells a story that is very relevant in our digital age. This is their first time in the new Everyman and the fifty plus strong cast certainly make their mark.

To organise such a large amount of people can be a tricky one, but here we can see just how big the space is, as they were all able to move comfortably about whilst performing their choreographed scenes, directed beautifully by Chris Tomlinson and Matt Rutter. The play primarily focuses on the relationships formed by those who have fallen off The Grid, so is told through a handful of actors and are joined by all the cast only at the beginning and end of the play.

There are many good actors in this production, all are strong and confident in their roles, but there are two individuals that shine; Josie Sedgwick-Davies and Kieran Urquhart. Urquhart in particular proved a favourite with the audience with his comedic style performance. His physicality and comic timing in impersonating members of his family is very funny, and he seems comfortable to turn on the emotion when needed.

There is a natural quality in his acting that makes him very watchable. The same can be said of Sedgwick-Davies, whose character is having a tougher time then most and emotions run high. She is very confident and there is loads of energy in her performance that is very engaging to watch.

This is a very good production, which focuses on relevant themes and makes for an interesting and unique theatre experience. YEP has shown yet again what a little imagination and whole lot of talent can do.

The Gird is at Liverpool's Everyman until 26 April.

– Janie Phillips