Kiss/Marry/Push Off a Cliff

Yew Tree Youth Theatre have been taking part in the National Theatre Connections programme for 20 years and this year their offering was Kiss/Marry/Push Off a Cliff by Josh Azouz.  The story is about a group of friends, post A Level exams, who go camping together.  They site their tents on the edge of a treacherous cliff, but after the first night, one of the group, Marco, is ostracised by the rest for something they said…or was it something they did?  The programme introduction explains “It’s strange and it's about to get stranger as friendships are tested, new alliances formed, trusts are broken and reality is twisted out of shape.  The trip becomes a rite of passage – guided by a moral compass that isn’t entirely reliable.”

Directors, Sarah Osborne and John Broadhead, had supported this group of young actors to really bring this new script to life, with thoughtful and engaging performances supported by excellent stage management, props and appropriate costumes.  The music was atmospheric and the cast adapted well to the environment, having had to change performance venue with less than 30 minutes notice.

Mime and action to background music moved us from scene to scene and even with only the first introduction many of the character traits became clear.  We quickly understood that Marco (Robin Boughton) had done ‘something’ during the first night’s drink fuelled antics.  Boughton was suitably offended at being cast out from the group and ensured we understood the characters desperation.  Harriet Hornshaw was a commanding Ricky – determined to get their own way, whilst struggling with internal longings.  Emma Loynes as Kiara gave a sensitive and strong performance as the love interest of several members of the group and often the one with most clarity of thought.   I enjoyed the monologue given by Matthew Tordoff as Carl.  His description of camping at age nine was cleverly brought to life with just the right level of humour.

Alice Lamb as Jess (Cast – Cliff) had great comic timing and showed real compassion in the situation – their characters efforts to provide light relief (in the form of illegal drugs) went horribly wrong when it transpired that Jess had actually bought mint sweets.  This part of the play was handled very well by Lamb whose story-telling is captivating.  The worries of the burgeoning future and all that post exams would mean for the group were well-voiced by Alex Sentance as Tamer – the aspiring boxer who has a range of personal anxieties.  Sentence showed empathy in handling the challenges the character faces.  Not part of the core group is Noush played by Izzy Cowie in Cast Cliff – a very clever portrayal of this role, just as the interactions with Marco left the Marco wondering ‘what next?’, the audience too were unsure of the motives of Noush.

A presence throughout the play was the fabulously frolicking Frankie, Ricky’s dog, he was beautifully voiced by Millie Kitchen.  Working with Amelia Sorby this clever puppet (built in-house by Natasha Lunt) moved with such animation that I certainly felt a need to stroke him.  Sorby also played the Giant Moth and the concept of using brightly coloured sheets to involve all the company in an hallucinated dream was very impactive.  The ending involved some excellent physicality from Sentence and Lamb, but I won’t go into further description as the play can be seen at The Crucible in Sheffield on  6th April  and the link for tickets is https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/nt-connections-festival-day-2-2024 - its definitely worth a trip to see the final plot twist.

The script deals with many themes relevant to young people today including sexuality, attraction, drugs and alcohol in a non sensationalised way.  These issues are part of the world in which we all live and the compelling narrative was perfectly delivered.  It would be easy to come to always expect the excellent diction and projection offered by YTYT, who perform with no mics or sound enhancement.   However, it’s important to recognise that the group continue to demonstrate their skill in this area.   They also maintain character and build the dynamics of the different relationships whilst still ensuring the audience can hear every word.

Congratulations to the whole team including Stage Manager - Sam Kirk, Ash Howick on Sound and Music Production, Natasha Lunt – Properties Manager, Olli Watkins as Producer and Alise Germova who designed the poster and programme.

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