Pronoun – Altrincham Garrick Studio

Evan Placey’s Pronoun is the fourth production in Altrincham Garrick’s LGBTQ+ themed season and was written as one of ten plays for the NT Connections 2014 programme. Inspired by a homophobic encounter, Placey wrote the pieces as honest plays for teenage audiences to help them make their own minds up about the world. The audience last night certainly appreciated his efforts as this snappy, witty and quick paced piece worked its magic in this very enjoyable production.

The young cast worked as a strong ensemble to tell the story of Dean (Portia Dodds) a transgender teenager transitioning from female to male during his A Level years. Despite being supported by family and friends, their pre-conceptions, constant questions and well intended care do not hide the difficulties they experience in dealing with his liberation. He feels isolated, under the microscope and in a state of constant justification for his decision and the challenges it presents, but is guided though by the wisdom, love and total coolness of the ghost of James Dean (Sam Evans) in the sanctuary of his bedroom.

The relationship between Dean and his ex-boyfriend Josh (Teej Jackson), trying to accept that his girlfriend no longer existed even if his love for her did, was especially successful and produced some of the play’s strongest moments ‘If you were going to change something about yourself couldn’t it have been your sarcasm?’ In fact, there were several successfully presented pairings in this piece, bewildered and defensive Mum and Dad (Charlotte Cosh and Liam Dodd), best friends Amy and Kyle (Liam Dodd and Rachel Jacquest) and a very well observed trio of Dean’s school Senior Management Team trying to use his ‘difference’ to their own advantage with OFSTED.

This talented young cast handled the material well and the journey they took us on was both entertaining and moving. Teenage angst and awkwardness were at times hilariously presented yet more poignant moments handled with care, tenderness and confident quiet. Gender roles were mixed up, swapped, re-arranged and playfully presented and afforded many opportunities for the actors to show both their skill and range and director Pete Brassington brought out the best of this well cast play.

The performance space is compact and intimate and using a simple design concept delivered a visually impactful piece of theatre.

It’s a credit to Artistic Director Joseph Meighan and his team that diverse and thought-provoking work is being presented to more diverse audiences. With more of this season yet to present and the new Autumn/Winter Season just announced, the Garrick is offering plenty to look forward to for the rest of this year. Playing until 30th April, https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/

Reviewer: Lou Kershaw

Reviewed: 25th April 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★