Rehearsal images have been released for Poleroid Theatre’s upcoming production of Kenneth Emson’s play at the Old Red Lion Theatre. Here’s a glimpse of what has been happening… 

Following a successful run as part of the Latitude Festival, Poleroid Theatre’s production of Plastic will play at the Old Red Lion Theatre from the 3rd to the 21st April, directed by JMK 2017 award winner Josh Roche.

Remember the moment you became an adult? Or did you miss it?

Kev used to have a girlfriend called Lisa, she wore a fitted blazer and reebok classics, lit up the school yard. Kev used to be the captain of the school football team. Scored the winner in the All-Essex schools cup final. 

Ben used to get beaten up most days. He stole money from his mum’s purse to pay off ‘Wicksy’. Now he’s an accountant. But Ben always had Jack. His loyal, unbreakable mate Jack. 

Adults are the kids that survive school right? 

And what if some kids don’t?

Kenneth Emson’s play examines how the insecurities of childhood can follow us into adulthood in this drama about time, memory and escape.

Talking about the production director Josh Roche said: “School is hell. We all go through it, but as adults we’re quick to patronise and diminish teenagers who scream for help. We made Plastic to talk about the horror that takes root in schools, a horror of loneliness, frustration and identity – a horror that can define the lives of adults well into retirement.”

Plastic combines drama and performance poetry to examine the creation of urban folklore and the sealed world of adolescence with all its unique pressures and how hard it can be to survive.

The production is set to star Madison Clare, Thomas Coombes, Louis Greatorex and Mark Weinman. It will feature designs by Sophie Thomas, lighting design by Peter Small and sound design by Kieran Lucas.

Plastic will play at the Old Red Lion Theatre from the 3rd to the 21st April. For more information and to book tickets visit: http://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/plastic.html