#glitterpunch

Note I used a base on pintrest

GLITTER PUNCH by Lucy Burke, presented by Some Riot Productions in association with The King’s Head Theatre King’s head Theatre until 25th February Don’t miss these rising stars of the London theatre scene ★★★★ Nobody really notices sixteen year old Molly, certainly not her mum who is busy with a new partner and a screaming baby so when good-looking John asks her for a light one day at college she can hardly believe her luck. This gobby, abrasive bundle of anger from a rundown Salford estate,- ‘I love sleep and I hate people’- falls head over heels in love and it feels like a punch to the gut, a deep glitter punch. But nothing has ever gone right for Molly so what’s to say that this time will be different? Told from Molly’s point of view, we join her on a journey of self-discovery and blossoming sense of self. While to the outside world she’s still sullen and awkward, the audience get to hear her inner world and it’s a world full of colour and passion. Charlotte Salkind as Molly is edgy, nervy and bounces around the stage like a Catherine wheel. She beautifully embodies the weird half-life of the teenager: sweet and charming one moment, furious and recalcitrent the next. As John, Hadley Smith is still and strong and the physical difference in the actors’ heights reflects the differences in the couple’s emotional maturity. Despite the stillness and sparseness of his words Smith subtly shows his own character’s unfurling from grief to contended peace. There was never going to be a Disney ending for odd couple Molly and John however as it emerges that they’ve been hiding a dark secret all along. Lucy Burke’s writing burns brightly through the play. Her wit and clever observation cut through even the darkest moments without ever being heavy-handed. She is clearly a writer to watch. Director Peter Taylor allows moments of stillness and calm to rise to the surface among Molly’s turbulent, tumbling words and creates a nuanced performance. He also uses the pair’s physicality to underscore tender love scenes and angry fights. Subtle lighting design from Jamie Ferguson add another effective dimension. It’s always tricky when using a set that belongs to another play but the actors succeed in drawing the audience in. I’d love to see this play in the round or as an immersive piece. If you want to catch some rising stars of the London theatre scene then Glitter Punch is definitely one not to miss. Dates until 25th February Tickets: £18/ £15 Box Office: http://kingsheadtheatre.ticketsolve.com/#/shows/873569326/events/128082917 Reviewer Sian Rowland Siân’s plays have been shown at various venues around London and her play Gazing At A Distant Star has recently finished a sell-out run at Greenwich Theatre Studio. As well as being a playwright she is an adviser, trainer and writer of award-winning education resources. @Sian_Rowland