Lambslaughter at King's Head Theatre Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are our own
This performance contains strong language, slurs and derogatory language, strobe lighting, mentions of self-harm, references to eating disorders and body dysmorphia and cyber bullying and online harassment.
Some plays are timeless and can reflect any decade’s concerns; others are a brilliantly captured moment in time that crystallises every detail. Lambslaughter is the latter as it vividly explores the life of two teenage girls in a Merseyside Catholic secondary school.
Set in 2013, this play vividly explores the beginnings of social media and the impact of the “Wild West internet culture” that harmed many vulnerable teenagers. Writer and Director Olivia Revans has created a phenomenal play which captivates the audience from beginning to end. Each line is a brilliantly crafted example of wit and a vivid snapshot of 2013 mannerisms and discussions. I was spellbound by the sincerity and powerful prose which brought these characters to vivid life. Without many spoilers, this snapshot into one term of year 12 was a brilliant dive into a stressful and impactful time in teenagers’ lives and the long-term impact of their rash decisions on both themselves and others. Its examination of harmful stereotypes and body dysmorphia created by social media was deft and realistic. I was also impressed at its depiction of stressful family dynamics and the damaging overwhelm of teaching, as well as the difficulty of teacher vs student dynamics. The parallels between The Crucible and Macbeth, studied by the girls throughout the play, were beautifully defined in showcasing reputation, obsession and grief.
The cast are incredible. Freya Jones as Jade and Erin Riley as Chloe truly embody their teenage characters incredibly. Their mannerisms, cadences and body language are excellent in forming realistic dynamics of a teenage friendship with all the drama, heartache and laughter throughout. Louie Threlfall provides a wonderful contrast as the restrained English teacher who deeply cares about his students and their well-being.
The set is sparsely decorated with two tables and three chairs, which could fit in any mundane secondary school or office. This keeps the atmosphere taut and the focus on the actors’ brilliant chemistry. There is also a projector screen that showcases the tweets the girls write in real time, fully immersing us in this story. Jaroslaw Ciba’s lighting direction helps separate the different events of the story as it unfurls and keeps the audience captivated. The pacing is fast throughout, with razor sharp wit and thorny retorts keeping the story flowing along.
Lambslaughter is 90m without an interval, and this works brilliantly to keep you fully immersed in the story and the pain of the characters as they fight for self-understanding. Overall, this is a phenomenal and profound play which embodies sincerity while keeping the audience throughout. If you are seeking a trip down memory lane to your school days in 2013, looking for a vivid portrayal of the precarious nature of teens mental health and wish to enjoy a beautifully written play, then this is the show for you.
Lambslaughter played at the King’s Head Theatre on 17 April.
★★★★★
