I am so relieved that I managed to see Punk Rock, just in time. I had heard brilliant things about its run at The Lyric, and knowing one of the cast members suspected the positive rumours were true... I really enjoyed it.
The play, written by Simon Stephens is set in a grammar school in Stockport. A group of outspoken teenagers are preparing to take their mock exams. The set remains unchanged throughout; we are in an old dusty library, a room that becomes increasingly claustrophobic as the story unfolds. The group are joined by a new girl, self-harming Lilly Cahill. We watch as the dynamic changes between the students as they struggle to grow up. Punk Rock introduces us to character types that we can all sympathise with.A cast of nine outstanding actors gives a powerfully expressive performance. These young promising actors, a few of them debuting in Punk Rock, command the stage with maturity way beyond their years.
I want to draw attention to this show as it embarks on a large scale national tour. It returns to the stage after a very successful sell-out run at Manchester’s Royal Exchange. Visiting theatres all over the country, a show not to miss... it is one of the most gripping plays I have ever seen.
More information on Punk Rock's tour here.
