Leeches – The King’s Arms

How far would you go for influence? Would you be prepared to use work colleagues, friends, or even family, in the name of ambition?

Leeches, written by Kieran Scott and slickly directed by Thomas Bateman explores themes of insecurity, cancel culture and personal ethics, amongst others, through the eyes of three highly flawed narrators. When a protest erupts in the city centre, it results in a moment of violence that has significant repercussions for all three.

Simple staging with nothing more than a crowd control barrier and a couple of chairs allows the spotlight to shine on three strong actors from the Manchester School of Theatre, who do an excellent job of showcasing Scott’s tight and compelling script, peppered with deft touches of levity, and which itself smartly exposes and splits open the facades that many develop for themselves.

We have Lucas (Andrew Powell) a high school student who faces daily verbal abuse from his alcoholic father and desperately hunts for validation via social media, riding on the coattails of popular newcomer Karim.

Then there’s Morgan (Julia Nibbs-Ramsay), a PhD graduate who spends her time fighting for academic recognition whilst stacking shelves at her local supermarket, jealous of her more successful friend.

And finally, we have Janet (Catrin Griffith Jones) who battles to be both a perfect mum and the obvious choice for an emerging promotion at work, seemingly willing to exploit a vulnerable homeless woman to boost profits.

Each actor skilfully lays bare the best and worst qualities of their characters, as well as bringing to life the key people in their lives with great versatility. They collectively deliver a storm of emotions as each one deals with the fallout of their actions in the shadow of the protest.

The success of the play lies in not forcing the audience into one viewpoint or another. Each character has sympathetic qualities (particularly the neglected Lucas). Each has revolting qualities that makes some of their consequences feel like karma. And whilst there isn’t a clear cut happy or tragic ending, each is left with glimmers of redemption and hope.

Occasionally some moments don’t ring entirely true – either turns of phrase or language that doesn’t feel like it fits the character, or moments or actions that don’t feel realistic – but these only stick out because the rest of the script is authentic and raw.

Overall, Leeches doesn’t hand you easy answers—but it will leave you questioning how much of yourself you’re willing to sacrifice for approval, and whether, in the end, that cost is ever worth it.

For further dates and venues, visit https://greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/events/leeches/

Reviewer: Lou Steggals

Reviewed: 22nd July 2025

North West End UK Rating: