Modern Studies in the raw—four young actors produce the views of participants in the 2011 London riots against a backdrop of the Establishment view as vocalised on News at Ten.
The diversity of the rioters is portrayed through the words of someone who dropped out of college, those with no education, no prospects and no job and most importantly no cash to splash on what everyone else gets to buy.
There's the young guy whose not-brilliant job disappears as a result of the recession, leaving him alone, separated from wife and his child. There is the ‘posh’ girl there for the cause with daddy around to bail her out of whatever mess she gets in.
While the protesters think they are making a political statement, looting material goods seems to be the main end.
The establishment targets are the usual suspects—politicians, bankers and the police—all doing nicely from the public trough.
It’s a piece of political theatre but the message is not new. There is no particular insight the public has missed. It is balanced by a radio report of a local businessman adding to the numbers of unemployed as the insurance does not pay out in time to save the jobs of other people.
The show only lasts 50 minutes, and while there is a catchy track and some aggressive choreography, it may be the voice of the disposessed but sadly it does not shock.
The actors are credible in their roles and the attentive audience may have given thought that on the day the media and government celebrate the success of the Olympics that these characters are still there and still feeling left out.
Show Times: Runs to August 25th, 4:20pm (not 19th)
Ticket Prices: £9 Concessions £7