Issy Cory
Three schoolgirls are gearing up for their GCSEs and as they do, they gather around their ancient tree, depicted as a hot pink ladder in a pool of bark chippings. They talk about first times, that ‘fuzzy’ feeling, and going to sixth form. That’s before a leaked sex tape turns their world upside down.
Keira is choosing to be a webcam girl instead of getting her A-Levels, Lucy cannot seem to escape from the church, and Zainab cannot escape from her feelings for Lucy. As they navigate this crucial journey out of girlhood, it becomes increasingly unclear as to whether they will all get out alive.
Writer Julia Grogan has a heavy story on her hands, but the script remains effortlessly fluid. Interactions between the three young women are gutsy and so frequently funny. Each comedic anecdote is wonderfully brash and silly.
Characters all take an equal hand in this piece, giving it an overall cohesiveness that unites them and unites us with them as well. They are nevertheless excellently developed individuals, all taking up their own space within the trio.
Keira is brilliantly flamboyant and complicated, obsessing over sex and when they’re all going to get it. Lucy is pious beyond belief, yet joyously curious about her desires. Zainab is the hopeless romantic, her steadfastness underpinning the entire narrative.
The characterisation would be nothing without the three extraordinary performers that allow for its success. Consistently daring and present in the moment, they are terrifically engaging. They are so ingrained in their characters, it is almost impossible to imagine that they are acting.
To touch on the heavy story once again, there are certainly some threads that are stronger than others. The tragedy of the ending is a little lessened as we’ve encountered so much tragedy early on in the play. Zoning in on the dynamite plot points, of which there are many, would have benefitted the piece as a whole.
An edit would help the slightly repetitive scene changes, too. For the most part, the pacing is spot on, however at times we leave and re-enter the sections too quickly.
That said, Playfight has a lot to play with. A credible, intricate story, performed by astounding actors, in a gorgeous space, is definitely a recipe for brilliance.
Recommended Drink: 4 x vodka redbull for £2
Performances for Playfight have now concluded at EdFringe 2024.
Jake Mace
Phoebe Bakker
