Chatroom

After a VERY long hiatus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, theatre is back (albeit online).  Kingsley Players Youth Theatre have, yet again, provided their audiences with another fine performance of Enda Walsh’s Chatroom.  Their first production of this play in 2019 has stayed with me to this day – an example of why it was nominated for five NODA awards.  The staging of this play was obviously very different to the first.  This time, everything was online, via Zoom, which lends itself really well to the context of this play, which takes place throughout in various online chatrooms.

Despite being online, the audiences were treated to fine performances from the young cast, which explored the themes of teenage suicide.  The director, Jake Powell, did extremely well to produce a show that was slick and well-rehearsed.  The way in which the audiences were moved from room to room was effective and all of the technical elements to put on this production were well choreographed and very well executed.    I loved the choice of music and slides to enhance each room as well as the music of Ludovico Einaudi to add layering to the final scene.   I have to admit, I preferred the 2019 staging of this play (which was brilliant) and there’s nothing like being in a live theatre, however, the way that this play was streamed live to its audiences was extremely well produced.  The only downside of this entire production was the echo of two of the actor’s computers.  In my opinion, they had their sound on their laptops turned too high which meant that there was an echo throughout.

Jake Powell was able to showcase each actor’s skill whilst highlighting the serious issues at hand.  The storyline was clear; as was the subtle subtext of manipulation, coercion, friendship, and suicidal thoughts.

The play opened to the Harry Potter chatroom where we were introduced to the characters of William (Kristopher Duffin) and Jack (Max Houghton).  For me, William’s screen/camera angle was angled in a way in which we could only see Kristopher’s head.  It would’ve been nice to see more of his profile so that we could get a more-round performance.  Max Houghton stood out for me in this scene.  His reactions whilst other characters were talking were very naturalistic and captivating, so much so that I wondered if the cast had explored acting for television, rather than acting for theatre during their rehearsal process.  I have to say, that overall, the cast were excellent and very naturalistic TV actors.

The next room was the Britney Spears chatroom.  Eva (Isobel Green) started with great pace, energy and enthusiasm to open the scene.  She also had great moments of stillness and naturalistic pauses.  Isobel was very well supported by Eleanor Roberts (Emily) who had great styling to her character and a captivating naturalistic performance.  In the next room – the suicide chatroom, I couldn’t see the character of Laura’s head, however I think this was intentional to the piece.  I was drawn into the character of Laura and was intrigued by her.  Well done to Jess Horn for being able to do that despite us not being able to see your face, no mean feat!  The main character, Jim, played wonderfully once again by Ben Mather-Dodd, displayed excellent diction, articulation and pace.  Ben showcased his great acting skills, not only in his dialogue, but the way that he used pauses and natural reactions when listening to other characters speaking.

We were then taken into the Chiswick’s Bloody Opinionated chatroom where most of the characters were.  Williams camera angle was slightly better in this room.  I really enjoyed William’s costume change and his characterisation as the more ‘mature’ member of the group.  His use of hand gestures was great throughout!  Isobel Green was striking, natural and showcased excellent diction and storytelling.  I loved Max Houghton’s interjections as Max and Eleanor Roberts naturalistic way in which she listened (drinking cola and playing with her hair) as Emily.  I really loved the way in which all characters started the scene with their camera’s off which helped set the tone from the start.  This was further enhanced when Jack, Eva, Emily and William all probe Jim about his depression.  It contained good changes in pace and energy as well as moments of silence and awkwardness.  This scene forced me to think about my own children and what they might potentially go though online.  The bullying of Emily in this scene, over a slight comment that she made, was well played.  Her quote of “We don’t have anyone else to talk to, this is it”, was thought provoking!  There was a lovely stillness between Jim and Eva towards the end of this scene.  I couldn’t be sure if Eva was being kind or manipulative at this point!  Isobel Green’s reactions as Eva, when listening to Jim’s story about his dad going missing, were excellent.  Ben Mather-Dodd’s storytelling was equally good here.  He helped paint pictures in my head of Jim getting home from the Zoo – just through his storytelling – fab!

The second scene in this chatroom was brilliant also.  This is when the characters of William and Eva come to the forefront and their intentions are clear.  Kristopher Duffin and Isobel Green shone in this scene – I hated these characters, which meant that the actors were doing their job!  Their manipulation of Jim was harrowing and thought-provoking; the scary thing is that it could be happening to teenagers across the world.  The way that they coerced Jim into writing his negative thoughts was hard to watch.  Max Houghton also shone as Jack in this scene.  The way that he used his voice and body to explode against Eva and William was brilliant.  I’ve seen Max in a few productions, and, in my opinion, this was his best performance – well done Max!

The final time we were in this chatroom the character of William was wearing a black jumper against a black background, which meant that he looked a bit like a floating head.  Despite this, Kristopher and Isobel used their voice brilliantly to coerce and manipulate Jim and both worked very well together, despite being in different locations online!  Kristopher came alive in this scene and had a great command of the room.  Eva’s quote of “Only a few bold teenagers make a statement – like you Jim” was very thought-provoking!  Ben gave great emotional range in this scene as Jim.  Jack and Emily (Max & Eleanor) gave a lovely naturalistic performance here – both listened very well - something which is hard to teach!  Jess Horn (Laura) was able to showcase her acting skills in the final scenes.  She gave lovely facial expressions when describing her own suicide attempt.  Her projection and emotional tone in her voice enhanced her performance. 

The added music in Jim’s final speech really added to the scene and helped establish tone.  Jim’s final speech was very moving and emotive.

I congratulate Kingsley Players Youth Theatre once again for another great performance and thank them for the wonderful work they have done with PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide) to raise awareness and funds.  50% of all ticket sales were very kindly donated by KPYT.

I wish Kingsley Players Youth Theatre all the very best for the return of live performances in 2021 and cannot wait to return to see what these brilliant young actors, and the NODA award winning director in Jake Powell, have in store for us!

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