The Wall

Somewhere in Stewarton, during the summer holidays, four teenagers socialise, philosophise, fall in love and discover that parents and teachers are fallible.
In the hands of many writers, this would be mere teenage-angst stuff, full of tediously stale ideas. In the hands of D.C. Jackson, The Wall becomes compelling theatre.

Jackson's script is full of clever moments that are both funny and moving. Most importantly, he accomplishes what most writers fail to achieve: to create three-dimensional teenaged characters that the audience empathise with.

The play's action centres around Barry (Scott Hoatson), who falls for fellow classmate Michelle (Kirstin McLean), argues with sister Norma (Sally Reid) and 'chill-axes' with mate Rab (Finn den Hertog). All four performances are stellar, both individually and as an ensemble. Watching Barry and Michelle flirt and fall in love is heartbreaking, and Norma's feeble attempts at covering up a moment's foolishness while still playing the nurturing younger sister brings forth some of the productions strongest moments. But it is Rab, the self-proclaimed 'bam', who holds all the cards with his humorous wind-ups and philosophies on life.

The script is, however, not perfect. Whereas the first act celebrates the banality and ordinariness of these characters and their lives, the second act moves into melodrama and soap-opera territory by introducing plot threads that are ridiculous at best. It's a shame that Jackson felt the need to do this as it counters the very realistic world of the first act. That the second act feels as fresh as the first is down to the top-notch performances and consistently witty banter throughout the play.

Kudos must also go to director Gregory Thompson and designers Becky Minto (set) and Elizabeth Powell (light) for finding numerous ways of making the solitary location of a wall on a bed of grass consistently fresh. Thompson especially has managed to create a production that never falters in pace, keeping the action constant and allowing the audience to actively engage in the lives of all four teenagers.

With its charismatic characters, The Wall is a very entertaining and satisfying production that overcomes any shortcomings.