Ravers Gets a Glowing Review ....

Our regular reviewer, Val Ruloff, sat in on a Ravers rehearsal with members of the Torch Youth Theatre. Here's what she had to say…

Impressed by the first impressions of Ravers performance by Katya and Dan, as they both rehearsed their roles as Blake and Sam, respectively.

Quite an eye-opener, providing as it does a valuable glimpse into behind-the-scenes preparations... a taster of what is to come. 

The play promises to be intriguing. Funny and humorous touches, layered with poignant, touching 

and thought-provoking elements... as well as some more challenging matters, too.

Ravers is a new production by award winning writer, director, designer, producer, choreographer and performer Rikki Beadle-Blair, MBE, as part of the National Theatre Connections programme.

The play provides an interesting take on the familiar theme of outsiders, the social outcasts of their peer group. A "Rave" is proposed... but this will potentially be a rave with a difference. No drugs, no alcohol and superficial physical contact only to be had during this rave event... for this will be the domain of the self-styled Neeks, cheeky combo of Nerds and Geeks. 

So, what kind of rave will this actually be? Maybe this event will be one for the Neeks to own... as their own. See what might be possible for them... maybe even emerging as fully-fledged teenagers?

This play certainly succeeds in grasping attention of the audience. The snap-shot of Katya and Dan getting to grips with characterisations as they learned about their characters, shone a bright (lime)light on exactly the amount of hard work invested in the production by all involved.

The two actors tried out their interpretations of lines and script, deep-dived into exploration of details including costume, accessories and music, offering their own observations and contributions and input to their performances. By the way, it will definitely be of interest to learn how Pirates of the Caribbean might be incorporated into the eclectic music selection, according to previous suggestion mooted. 

Versatility is very evident, especially when considering the last memorable encounter with these two performers were Katya and Dan's incarnations as Mole and Toad, respectively... during last year's production of Wind in the Willows.

Tim Howe, the Torch's senior manager of youth and community, ensured breezy direction overlooking the whole proceedings, whilst managing to be simultaneously incisive.... maybe even laser-like!

Tim's direction was complemented by some helpful co-direction provided by the actor, Sam Freeman, as an extra bonus!

The staging of Ravers will be most interesting, it seems... in terms of how the audience is seated and configured, too.

Just remains to be said... already...

Raving about Ravers!

Torch Youth Theatre members present Ravers as part of the National Theatre Connections program from Thursday 6 March to Saturday 8 March at 7.30pm. Tickets: £10 full / £8 concessions. Click here for tickets anf further information.