Burn / Chatroom / Citizenship

Genre: Drama
Opened 15 March 2006
Written: by Deborah Gearing / by Enda Walsh / by Mark Ravenhill
Directed: Anna Mackmin
Cast: Naomi Bentley, Robert Boulter, Claire-Louise Cordwell, Richard Dempsey, Farzana Due Elahe, Andrew Garfield, Matti Houghton, Sid Mitchell, Javone Prince, Joy Richardson, Andrea Riseborough, Matt Smith , Alex Tregear.
Synopsis: Three short (50mins) plays where the drama of teenagers' lives take centre stage.
BURN: A loner in foster-care asks a girl out on an ill-fated date in a stolen car. One day, on the riverbank, the friends he never had narrate the story of his dramatic last day.
CHATROOM: In cyberspace six 15-year-olds type and chat. A chilling and powerful tale of manipulation and the ultimate act of teenage rebellion.
CITIZENSHIP: A bittersweet comedy about growing up, following a boy's frank and messy search to discover his sexual identity.

**NOTE: 2 or 3 of the plays are included at each performance.

What the critics had to say.....
FIONA MOUNTFORD for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "An impressive number of themes, from internet suicide chatrooms to peer pressure to sexual orientation, are handled in commendably non-dogmatic style...A triumph." ALASTAIR MACAULAY for THE FINANCIAL TIMES says, "They give us keenly believable views of British teenagers today and offer revealing sociology and vivid entertainment...The actors are young and astoundingly good. You come out talking of Andrew Garfield and Matt Smith as much as of the plays...these are the best new plays currently to be seen in London." PAUL TAYLOR for THE INDEPENDENT says, "Each astutely directed by Anna Mackmin and featuring an ensemble of terrific young acting talent." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Mackmin's production leaves you with a smile on your face." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Anna Mackmin now directs an outstanding company of young professionals." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Engrossed and amused...Both plays are strong, though Citizenship is the more accomplished and certainly the funnier."

External links to full reviews from popular press
The Independent
The Guardian
Financial Times
The Times
Daily Telegraph