This is political theatre at its finest. With a soundtrack of drill, grime and jungle written for the show, a well-crafted fictionalised storyline based on true events from both the present and past, with an incredibly talented ensemble, this show keeps the audience hooked from the very beginning.
We start off with a pirate radio station based in Hackney, Blaze FM, which is all about the local voice. Always in fear of being shut down and in threat of eviction due to living in a high-rise that is about to go under major redevelopment, this is a life living on the edge, never quite at ease. Despite this the music thrives: it is the most powerful way for everyone to have a voice, to express in their own way what they are dealing with, how they are feeling. The songs are sung live with exceptional skill by the performers, and this heightens the power of the lyrics: the audience is really engaging, moving to the feel of the beat. The atmosphere within the play has been pitched well and the audience feeds into this.
All along, knocks on the door echo a haunting disruption to the status quo à la Pinter - who himself was Hackney-born and raised – and when the devastation reaches its peak, we all feel it. It is a loss of home in all respects, the physical home but also a home where it was safe to have a voice, although new ways can be embraced to carry on. With a well-deserved standing ovation at the end, you would do well to try and catch this show while you can.
Show Time: 15-25 Aug (not 20) @ 16:45
Pleasance Courtyard
Ticket Prices: £14-£17
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/blaze-fm
Warnings: This show contains strong language. Space Accessibility: Accessible entry: Queue in cobbled courtyard. Access to space via locked lift, please notify venue ahead of your visit if you require use of the lift and ask at Info Shed upon arrival for access. Pleasance Two is on the ground floor however the audience enters the space from the back of the seating rake via an external enclosed staircase. Wheelchair access type: Lift (Building Lift). Stairs: 20+. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets, Audio Enhancement System. May not apply to all performances.
Age restrictions: Accompanied under-16s permitted until 00:00, 16-17-year-olds until 03:00. Age Suitability: 14+ (Guideline). Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 2 years