‘Streets’ ahead of anything I have seen on the Fringe so far. Reviews are all about individual opinion so I thought I was on a well-known ‘trip advice’ site when I saw the piece in a National newspaper.
This show has earned its five stars from me because of the impact of the cast from the first note to the end. The issues on the streets are popular territory for writers but rarely has a company grasped the physical nature of theatre so well as in this production.
The original music is fresh and varied and Joni (Rosemary Stanford) really cuts it with her opening soulful number. It is difficult to pick out stars in this cast because in my book there were no flaws. Some of the characters were similar but the areas that these guys live in encourage conformity.
The males are definitely Alpha in ‘Streets’ and the fight scenes and indeed love scenes convey that this area is no place for wimps.
Amy Rayner as Robyn sets a high standard from the off and Jenny and Lauren Baillie are on a par with all the females effective in their roles.
The lads are equally good and how often in a young cast can you say that. From Finn Anderson as the Skinner, the controller and main man, to David & Ian Stobbie as Rick and Tommy, not to forget Liam Vincent Kilbride as Jason, the performances were on a high throughout.
The story is about gang life on the ‘Streets’ and the reality of how some succumb while others find it so hard to escape even if they wanted to. Stephen Bangs as 'Max' exemplifies that Our prisons are full of young men who were in the wrong place at the wrong time or won’t grass on a mate.
The show is aimed at 14+ years and maybe it should be compulsory for those who are living that type of life in the communities of Britain.
Judges from some of the awards should have a look at ‘Streets ’and it is certainly one to catch before the end of the run.
Show Times: Runs to 11 Aug, 2.40pm
Ticket Prices: £10 (Concessions £7)