The Detention

This play was written by a talented 16 year old student.The Detention focuses on 5 students who all have more than their fair share of woes and worries.It was very thought provoking and challenging the classic stereo typical views that we all have. 

First we met Mr Fairton, the teacher with unorthodox ideas but good intentions. He locks the students in the library until they admit why they have been given detention. A small but important role in this story. 

The 5 students all enter the library and obviously have a great distaste for each other. Gradually as time goes on, they each divulge their inner secrets and woes. 

Firstly we met Sasha, whose father was head teacher and all she wanted was the latest iphone. Being such a spoilt child, she had become the victim of a school boy bully. As time passes she opens up to the group and admits to being a lesbian. Something the group accept with great kindness and understanding. 

Next we met Matthew, a good looking lad with a nice girlfriend. On the surface it looked like he had no problems but the truth comes out. He was caught inthe cleaners cupboard with his girlfriend. Perfectly normal, you would think but dig deeper and the story unfolds. Matthew had been forced into sexual activity by the girl. His performance as a distraught victimof sexual abuse was commendable and believable. 

Eleanora, a boffin who wanted to be a doctor, was worried about her exams. She was dreading that she might fail and her whole life plans would be in tatters. So she cheated in her exam and was now in detention. Her story showed the pressure that some youngsters put upon themselves to succeed. She had to believe in herself and not worry. A great performance showing great emotions.Eleanor was very supportive to Matthew and later they become close. 

Thomas was a sporty lad who was not very academic. He had become obsessed with food and exercise. He was constantly down the gym training to be fit like the other boys. Unfortunately his obsession had brought him to the depths of despair and he was forcing himself to vomit regularly. Elenora was particularly empathetic towards Thomas. She enlightened him that he ma yhave bulimia nervosa and that he could cause permanent damage to his health if he didn’t get some help. 

Amanda, dressed in Gothic clothing, seemed at first to be another angry teenager. As we delved deeper, she admitted that she didn’t like herself and couldn’t decide if she should wear trousers or a skirt. She wasn’t comfortable in either. She felt that didn’t want the male/female label. She was non=binary. Amanda and Sasha had been best friends at primary school but senior school had seen them grow apart. They both now understood how the other wasfeeling and rekindled their friendship. 

The cast all performed with passion and empathy for their own character and those they shared the stage with.This was an excellent production with a basic set which allowed us to concentrate on the characters on stage.Congratulations to the writer and all those on stage and behind the scenes. This was an incredible production and deservedly received a standing ovation from the audience.Thank you for inviting me.

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