Cactus

During high school children become adults, and this play comfortably lays bare topics rarely discussed publicly but which are obsessed about between friends in high school. The journey of friends, Abbie (Georgie Heath) and PB (Fran Sweeney-Nash) is followed until they are counting down the days to when they finish school, get their own back on some teachers, have sex and work out what they will do next.

The friendship of the two characters Abbie and PB is stable and shines through their various changes but is challenged when their next steps are heading in different directions and a health crisis turns out to have long term consequences. Finding out the strength of their friendship in the light of these developments forms the main part of the play. Other characters who are a part of the friends’ lives are brought into the play with sensitivity and care by Fran Sweeney-Nash.

Georgie Heath and Fran Sweeney-Nash’s focussed and rich characterisations are supported by a very effective stage design of a set of blocks of various heights (Angelica Rush) which are used to denote various locations and moods

The design of the soundscape (Rachel “Stoz” Stone) includes school noises, music and other location cues to seamlessly join and support the acting. The lighting design (Kris Chainey) makes the most of the staging and adds a strong backdrop to the action.

A staring example of a coming-of-age play which sensitively explores connection and belonging as girls become women. It is by turn challenging, funny and poignant in a very satisfying mix.

Ruth Richter

Photographer: Darren Gill