Director: Tim Ford
Reviewer: Helen Chapman
This performance of ‘Hope Springs’ by Richard Conlon, was staged by the ‘Young REP’ and was cast by an enthusiastic group of young people and some of their parents. Set on an idyllic island, the story follows a group of teenagers who were sent to a ‘correctional facility’ as a last resort for their bad behaviour. Their daily routine slowly unfolds as the play progresses, revealing a torturous life of discipline and obedience. A life in which the teachers dictate their every move, from what they do with their time, to what they eat, to even attempting to control what they think. Their parents originally sent them to this facility under the impression that it would make them into respectable citizens. Events take a drastic turn for the worse when one of the pupils decides to take matters into his own hands. This sparks a rebellion reminiscent of ‘Animal Farm’. Two hapless inspectors happen to travel to the island at just the wrong time, and it is because of these two that the terrible events of the past are revealed.
This being the ‘Young REP’ and performed by mainly younger actors, a range of abilities were present, but on the whole the younger actors out shone their parents! Although a few lines were stumbled, and the attempts at simultaneous monologues were not always pulled off smoothly, the performance was convincing, aswell as entertaining.
The actors never failed to hold the audience’s attention right to the last line, with additional details thrown in to keep us hooked. The best performance of the night went to Jack Woodbridge, who played ‘Sam’ - smallest in stature but biggest in stage presence. His convincing performance effortlessly created empathy for his character - a tear away with a true heart.
The simple yet effective use of lights helped to create a sinister atmosphere, as well as a sombre mood as the characters reflected on their situation. The performance made heavy use of tubular bells as a means of denoting the passing of time as well creating a sense of confinement. Although they were a useful tool, sometimes their use was a little too prominent.
This was an impressive performance by these young actors, who gave it their all and pulled off a superb rendition of ‘Hope Springs’. This play is suitable for anyone who wishes to experience a bit of the old ‘Lord of Flies’ nostalgia together with the whole family!
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