North East Theatre Guide: Review: Broken Biscuits at Newcastle Live Theatre

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The Geeks Shall Inherit The Earth!

Broken Biscuitsby Tom Wells
Newcastle Live Theatre
Until Saturday 22^nd October 2016

East Yorkshirebased writer Tom Wells brings a tale of three 16 year old ‘inbetweeners’ from Hull who decide to reinvent themselves before heading to Sixth Form College. On opening night at its World Premiere at Newcastle’s Live Theatre at provided laughs along the way in its feel good message about growing up in the 21^st century.

Three friends have just finished year 11 and decide to have an EMOOF (Emergency Meeting Of Our Friendship). The gregarious Megan (Faye Christall) announces that, after an investment at the local charity shop, they should form a band and enter the battle of the bands at the Sixth Form College. Quiet geek Holly (Grace Hogg-Robinson) would rather spend the summer learning coding. Their mutual male friend Ben (Andrew Reed) is working at the local old folks home buying fabrics from Hessle Road for their craft afternoons.

Using Meg’s shed as a rehearsal room, they decide to try to pull together songs about teenage love and selling stickers in a show down Princess Avenue. Between the songs they explore the insecurities of life as a teen. Mother’s boyfriends trying to bond and neighbours son’s being abusive are in addition to an examination into their own friendship.

Lily Arnold’s set design is of the shed and, with the combination of Joshua Pharo’s lighting design and Dominic Kennedy’s sound, it is able to cope with staging the musical interludes effectively.

Grace Hogg-Robinson as Holly

The three young actors are able to capture the awkwardness of teen relationships that come under pressure from new, external, challenges. They were entertaining and created an interesting show. Sure, it is still a little rough around the edges, but that, somehow, mirrors the dysfunctional nature of teen relationships. The decision to run for 90 minutes without an interval is to be praised as it helped keep the momentum going under James Grieve’s direction.

The show is advertised as suitable for ages 12+. Sexual acts are mentioned and Meg has something of a “potty mouth” so “parental guidance” is advised.

Faye Christall as Megan

Our son came away full of thought and praise for Broken Biscuits. He said he recognised much of the situation and of the characters. Each one reflected a part of his personality and was really impressed by the play.

Broken Biscuits is a fun, creative show that taps into the ‘Inbetweeners’ generation. Sure, some of the action is not yet polished; and the characters are a bit stereotypical, but the play’s heart is in the right place. The three actors create teens that are both charming and recognisable - their life is sweet, even if they don’t recognise it.

Review by Stephen Oliver (@panic_c_button)

Read the North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/preview-broken-biscuits-at-newcastle.html

Andrew Reed as Ben

Cast:

Faye Christall as Megan

Grace Hogg-Robinson as Holly

Andrew Reed as Ben

Creatives:

Writer: Tom Wells

Songs by: Matthew Robins

Direction: James Grieve

Design: Lily Arnold

Lighting: Joshua Pharo

Sound: Dominic Kennedy

On The Web:

www.painesplough.com

@PainesPlough

www.facebook.com/painesploughHQ

Tickets:

Broken Biscuits is a Paines Plough and Live Theatre production appearing from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 22 October 2016. Tickets for Broken Biscuits are £22-£10, over 60s concession £16-£12, other concessions £15-£6. Tickets for Broken Biscuits and associated events can be booked by visiting www.live.org.uk or by contacting the box office on (0191) 232 1232.

Suitable for ages 12+

Other Events

SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER, 9.15PM (after the show) Martha + Support by Street Party in Soho

Martha is a four-piece pop-punk band from Pity Me in Durham who play “melodic, soul-influence punk rock music with strength and humour”. Headlining their first gig at Live Theatre they are supported by Street Party in Soho from North Shields whose music is “Liquid Candy Shop Afro-Pop”.

DATE: Sat 8 Oct, 9.15pm

LOCATION: Studio Theatre

DURATION: Approx. 1hr 15mins

SUITABILITY: 12+

TICKETS: Add just £2 to the price of your Broken Biscuits ticket and see the gig. Tickets available via the box office. Gig only tickets £5.

SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER, 5.30PM Mr Drayton’s Record Player

Proud to return to Live Theatre with Pulp’s classic album Different Class featuring Mis-Shapes, the song which gave Broken Biscuits its name. The idea is simple. A classic album, on vinyl, played in full with no interruption, just as nature intended. The record is accompanied with a slide show celebrating the music; afterwards pit your music knowledge for cheap prizes and even cheaper laughs.

DATE: Sat 15 Oct, 5.30pm

LOCATION: Undercroft

DURATION: 1hr

SUITABILITY: 14+

TICKETS: Free, booking essential

SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER, 4PM Song Writing Workshop

13 to 19 years of age and interested in finding out more about writing lyrics or setting words to music? Then this event is for you. Join Natasha Haws as she shares with you the art of song writing. No experience needed.

DATE: Sat 22 Oct, 4pm

LOCATION: Live Tales, behind Live Theatre

DURATION: 2hrs

SUITABILITY: 13 to 19 year olds

TICKETS: Free, booking essential. Limited numbers available.

Tour dates:

The Drum, Theatre Royal Plymouth 25 – 29 October

www.theatreroyal.com Box Office: 01752 627 222

Hull Truck Theatre 1 – 5 November

www.hulltruck.co.uk Box Office: 01482 323 638

McCarthy Studio, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

8 – 13 November www.sjt.uk.com Box Office: 01723 370 541