Jerusalem

This gritty Jez Butterworth's play was a first for Sutton Coldfield and Sutton Arts, it is designed to shock. It draws on industrial English but once you get over this, this play is very powerful.

The story is set on the eve of St Georges day with Leah Fennell singing Jerusalem. We are then taken on a ride through a booze filled party at Johnny 'Rooster' Byrons (played with great gusto by Stuart Goodwin) caravan deep in the woods. We meet Mrs Fawcett and Mr. Parsons (Stephanie Miles and Gary Pritchard), two council officials who are determined to get rid of this old caravan. Roosters closest friend is Ginger, Robbie Newton, who thinks he is a DJ. Ginger was not invited to the party, something which everyone informs him. We also meet the remainder of the cast, The Professor, played with credit comedic effect by Andrew Tomlinson. The double acts of Lee Piper (Jack Heaven), Davey (Oliver Farrelly), as well as Tanya (Keyleigh Alison) and Pea (Charlotte Wallis) gave good support to the leading characters. Dexter Whitehead did a great job as pub owner Wesley. Good support also came from Faye Hatch, William Robbins and Dave Thane.

The play has some really funny moments, but saying that I found it to be very thought provoking. Especially during the last few moments.

The set, well the Sutton Arts team surpassed themselves and looked good under the very effective lighting.

Emily Armstrong chose a demanding play but it did work. A lot of the audience left mumbling about the about of bad language but I felt that it fitted into this powerful play.

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