A performance which portrayed excellent acting ability, variety and characterisation. The performers (Hosanna Starkey, Juliette Collins, Lucie Rose, Lucy Hickman-Germon and Holly Lawless) certainly gave passion and energy to this production and provided us with excellent physical theatre and voice work. They were able to glide smoothly between character transitions.
The set was very minimal and used mainly props and media to change scenes. The symbolism of the shoes being left on stage when the girls went missing was a clever incorporation.
However, personally, I found the production quite difficult to follow, as yes, the performers switched characters and demonstrated their acting abilities well, but sometimes it was hard to ascertain who was who. Also, there was some confusion amongst the audience around me as to what the main storyline was, as it seemed to switch between characters at the school and the story of the missing girls.
The sound, media and lighting did help to portray time and atmosphere. The performers also had singular lamps on stage which gave a very atmospheric feel to the staging. But, at times, the sound could drown out the performance, or, as in one scene which I think was in a bar, it would start and stop periodically which was off putting.
I think the performers were the strong aspect of this production. It is a story that is very interesting and would appeal to many, some work needs to be put into simplifying the delivery of the story or adding in information. As reading the plot, the main points are in the production, just without the detail of what is happening and how each event unfolds. Therefore, anyone who does not have prior knowledge and interest in this story, will be lost.
The advertising leaflet also threw misunderstanding as the characters didn’t seem to match the ones we had been introduced to on stage, such as, Sarah, Edith, Miss McCraw and Irma to name a few.
Overall, a tricky production to review as I can see immense talent and effort has gone into this and I think the performers would absolutely shine in other productions which weren’t so complicated to follow. As stated, a synopsis of the storyline and more detail would make this production more accessible.
Reviewer: Ann Marie James
Reviewed: 9th August 2025
North West End UK Rating: