REVIEW: The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return, Chalk Line Theatre, EdFringe 2024 ★★★★★

Two best mates are gearing up for a houseparty in their hometown of Luton, all they need is for some old geezer to buy them a bottle of liquor before the craziness can commence. Underage and underprepared, they dash from one teenage disaster to another, running from the infamous Brook family, hiding the Gin from mum, and trying desperately to flirt with their crushes. 

Our narrator, played by Olatunji Ayofe, guides us through a culturally multi diverse Luton, dodging lectures from his dad about getting a job at the garage and taunts from his best mate Lewis about admitting to liking Lakesha, the coolest girl in school. As the cast multirole their way through numerous different members of the community, we are met by various tragedies, slowly revealing the violence that underpins a struggling community.

One thing’s for sure, the cast of The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return are bringing the ENERGY. Narrator Ayofe sustains every single moment and there is not one second where the cast aren’t fully immersed in the action. Combined with inventive and punchy lights and sound, the audience are transported from Summerhall’s Demonstration Room and onto the streets of Luton, racing along with these young teens.

The youth and naivety of the houseparty-goers is exquisitely characterised. They are equally burdened with the uncertainty of the next few years post-school, yet equally fired-up about the wealth of possibility that now lies in their path. Pacing is expertly done, seamlessly moving from comedy to tension and back again. 

Written with insane craft and sincerity, it is wonderful to see a true-to-life story portrayed with such creativity. When the worst happens to one of the characters, we are forcefully catapulted into a dark reality. There is an unfortunate coincidence with what is currently happening around the UK: the displays of hatred, the riots…The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return lands so purposefully in amongst it all. 

Despite the tragedy, it is impossible not to emerge without a smile on your face as a result of the piece’s uplifting finale. Joy radiates from each of the cast members, and it’s clear that they love being up on stage telling this story. Chalk Line Theatre’s show is a rallying cry to end knife crime, to stand up for those around you, and to be proud of where you come from. If you’re looking for the spirit of the Fringe, there’s no doubt you’ll find it here.

Recommended Drink: Gin, drunk straight from the bottle on the way to the party. 

You can catch The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return at Summerhall – Demonstration Room from Aug 8-11, 13-18, 20-26 at 19:40. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.