(reviewed in London at Chickenshed, Thursday 9 July 2009)

Crime of the Century's coolly-clad cast of 10 take their seats on stage whilst an authoritative voice repeatedly questions about the impact of 'this incident'. So Chickenshed's candid response to youth knife-crime begins surreptitiously - as the crime did on Britain's streets - before exploding into a visually and audibly arresting assault on the theme.

Crime of the Century is framed around a loose narrative and charges through growing up, dropping out, and death on the streets - from 'playtime' to 'the incident'. It confidently looks at the circumstances, causes and effects and reflects the points of view of parents, children, crews, police, surgeons, ex-offenders and those who knew the victims.

The approach is eclectic, shifting effortlessly from physical theatre into dance, acrobatics. Frank personal direct address plays against anonymous voiceovers. Words spoken are expressed physically, and movement burgeons into words, song and rap - each performed with style and passion. The unidentified voices provide intellectual commentary with insight throughout. Physicality is used precisely, achieving both urgency and subtlety. Chickenshed comment gently on behaviour, create spaces, and explore raw emotion with equal skill.

The cast are all great movers, but Loren Jacobs, who also assisted in choreography, deserves a mention. As does Daniel Banton's particularly intense performance. Graham Hollick's design is simple but effectively used: 10 chairs, each a different design. A different chair (garden-folding, somewhat less street) makes a cameo later, representing a member of the wider public who transgresses a crew member's space in a gloriously comic skit in which boredom begets violence. Andrew Caddies's lighting dramatically defines the space, excellently varying mood and setting. This is aided by Dean Boddington's projections, throwing large images or urban settings or atmospheric designs against the back wall. Writing and directing team David Carey and Christine Niering clearly know how to avoid patronising, and often end sections as their interest peaks - allowing the matters raised to haunt rather than bore or frustrate. As moving as this production is - Dominique Crook's anguish is palpable – it is not depressing. With this subject, that's impressive.

Crime of the Century leaves no doubt that the true crime is society's failure to engage so many I-don't-cares. Chickenshed's atmospheric and charged production confronts this with flair. The question is whether their frank and intelligent response can inspire the same from communities and politicians.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Philip Constantinou. Dominique Crooks. Daniel Banton. Loren Jacobs. Charlie Kemp. Mark Lees. Gavin May. Jacob Maynard. Nathan Welsh. Dina Williams.

Company Credits: Writer - David Carey. Writer - Christine Niering. Director - David Carey. Director - Christine Niering. Set Designer - Graham Hollick. Lighting Designer - Andrew Caddies. Sound Engineer - Saul Gillingham. Costume Designer - Graham Hollick. Technical Operator - uncredited. Choreographer - Christine Niering. Assistant Choreographer - Loren Jacobs. Assistant Choreographer - Dina Williams. Assistant Choreographer - the cast. Additional words and lyrics - the cast, Paul Morrall, Michael Bossisse, Christine McVie. Stage Manager - Sinead Hughes. Projection / Technical Stage Manager - Dean Boddington. Costume Supervisor - Emma Robertson. Assistant Costume Supervisor - Rodger Harries. Press & Publicity - Susan Jamson. Producer - uncredited. Company - Chickenshed. Website - www.chickenshed.org.uk.

END

(c) Ben Neale 2009

reviewed Thursday, 09 July 2009 / Chickenshed, London UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com