A First World Problem - Milly Thomas
RATING * * * *
Directed by Holly Race Roughan
Fools & Kings Theatre and Theatre503, Until July 2014
Milly Thomas has created an innovative piece of theatre, combining elements of naturalism with contemporary dance and design. This strikingly resonant play is heightened by the intimate studio theatre at the Fools & Kings. A First World Problem explores the social pressures which middle class, privately schooled, young women have to face. As well as entertaining exceedingly humourous moments, not only through mimicking the British public school system but through each character's individual portrayals, Thomas' play has melancholy undertones. Wealth and popularity status provides a mental attitude for the girls in this boarding school, but much of their actions simply stem from the essence of being a teenager. As Thomas says, the teen years are a very experimental age; the girls are not fully comfortable with themselves yet, they do not know how to act or who they are going to be, despite being forcefully moulded into the ideal, Oxford-graduating lady. They have to constantly shapeshift and have a different face for everyone. Therefore the added monetary pressure found in private schools, further amplifies the effects of being a modern teenager.
Milly Thomas, Molly Vevers and Kate Craggs carry out the multi-rolling element very effectively; switching between pupils, teachers and boyfriends. By subtly altering body language and vocal techniques the audience is easily informed of the change in characters without the actors having to do extravagant costume changes.
During an interview after the performance, Thomas shed a lot of light on the play. Her perspective is invaluable, resonating with me how profound her understanding is of these characters on an emotional level. As a relatively new playwright, A First World Problem proves that Thomas has great potential, displaying an aptitude for addressing sensitive social problems in a dramatic setting.
RATING * * * *
Directed by Holly Race Roughan
Fools & Kings Theatre and Theatre503, Until July 2014
Milly Thomas has created an innovative piece of theatre, combining elements of naturalism with contemporary dance and design. This strikingly resonant play is heightened by the intimate studio theatre at the Fools & Kings. A First World Problem explores the social pressures which middle class, privately schooled, young women have to face. As well as entertaining exceedingly humourous moments, not only through mimicking the British public school system but through each character's individual portrayals, Thomas' play has melancholy undertones. Wealth and popularity status provides a mental attitude for the girls in this boarding school, but much of their actions simply stem from the essence of being a teenager. As Thomas says, the teen years are a very experimental age; the girls are not fully comfortable with themselves yet, they do not know how to act or who they are going to be, despite being forcefully moulded into the ideal, Oxford-graduating lady. They have to constantly shapeshift and have a different face for everyone. Therefore the added monetary pressure found in private schools, further amplifies the effects of being a modern teenager.
Milly Thomas, Molly Vevers and Kate Craggs carry out the multi-rolling element very effectively; switching between pupils, teachers and boyfriends. By subtly altering body language and vocal techniques the audience is easily informed of the change in characters without the actors having to do extravagant costume changes.
During an interview after the performance, Thomas shed a lot of light on the play. Her perspective is invaluable, resonating with me how profound her understanding is of these characters on an emotional level. As a relatively new playwright, A First World Problem proves that Thomas has great potential, displaying an aptitude for addressing sensitive social problems in a dramatic setting.