The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return, Southwark Playhouse (Borough) Review
Leanne Henlon, Nathaniel Christian and Elan Butler. Photo: Harry Elletson
Written by Penny for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
This award-winning play from Luton-based theatre company, Chalk Line, sold out its run when it debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024. It’s now running for a month at London’s Southwark Playhouse ahead of a UK tour.
It tells the story of what happens to two best mates over one chaotic night in austerity-stricken Luton. With themes of friendship, class and identity, it follows the two characters on the cusp of adulthood, where their youthful optimism clashes with systemic neglect – with the banging noughties tunes from a house party just round the corner.
Writer Sam Edmunds has written a snapshot of life, partly based on events from his own upbringing in Luton. On the surface, this could be the tale of any pair of 16 year old lads on a big night out. They are instantly recognisable – focused on girls, their clothes and the all-important question of who can they get to go into the corner shop to buy them the “right” booze for the house party they’re going to. There’s a running joke about the horrors of being sold gin when they wanted vodka – mortifying for our image-conscious 16 year olds, but ultimately irrelevant when we’re shown the bigger picture. This razor-sharp focus on teen angst over such trivial issues is nothing compared to the failing schools and lack of opportunities, families struggling to keep the roof over their heads and the threat of violence never far away. These lads may be on the cusp of adulthood, but what hope does the future hold in a society that has failed them?
The language manages to be both poetic and colloquial – central character Voice (Nathaniel Christian) offers his observations on his life and experiences and comes across as a far more articulate and informed young man than his background would suggest. This impassioned delivery and commentary works well within the theatrical context. His intelligent and opinionated inner monologue contrasts with his everyday life - friendly banter with his mate, awkward flirtation with the girl he fancies and difficult interactions with adult authority figures – this contrast is very effective in highlighting the impact on young people of the neglect they have experienced.
Edmunds also co-directs, alongside Vikesh Godhwani. From the very start, the pace and energy is dialled up to the max, with quick-fire delivery and well-timed sound effects and bursts of music to help set the scenes. There’s plenty of humour in the script and the actors draw the audience into the story with well-timed interactions. At times it’s perhaps a little bit too high-energy as some of the dialogue is hard to follow. The depiction of the boys’ family relationships would benefit from a little more clarity, as the their differing parental support and expectations felt a little glossed over. But the central characters’ motivations and emotions are always clear. And when the pace does drop, the message really hits home.
The cast of three play all of the characters in the play. Nathaniel Christian and Elan Butler are utterly convincing as Voice and Lewis – the best mates at the centre of the story. They bounce off each other brilliantly, giving us all the camaraderie and gentle mockery you’d expect between close friends. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, and their hopes and aspirations (or lack of them) feel very real. The cast is completed by Leanne Henlon, playing love interest Lakesha and Others. She has fantastic presence, switching with ease from party girl to cantankerous old “boss man” in the corner shop to the menacing leader of the Brooks’ brothers.
The three actors work very well together to draw us into this one crazy night, with its joyous highs and life-changing lows. Whether its characters are sparring on the street or on the dance floor, the play offers plenty of laugh out loud interactions alongside the more thought-provoking moments that shock and horrify in equal measure. It’s an entertaining and impactful 80 minutes that strikes a good balance between comedy and social commentary. With a lot of current media focus on teen violence and knife crime, it’s an important subject and the way Chaos handles it is original, accessible and packs a real punch.
The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return runs at Southwark Playhouse (Borough) until Saturday 27th September 2025. Find out more and book here. It will then tour the UK and you can find out about venues and how to book on the Chalk Line website.
★★★★