‘Youth in Flames’ makes a triumphant return to Edinburgh following a sell-out run in New York. Last year, Mimi Martin’s brilliant life-enhancing play garnered a Scotsman Fringe First and a hatful of 5 star reviews.
The play tells the story of a British teenager, Millie, coming of age as protests erupt in 2019 against the Hong Kong Government’s proposal to extradite criminal suspects to mainland China.
Mimi Martin has written a sparkling script which elicits a mesmerising performance from the playwright herself. She grabs our attention from the very first moment as a strong-willed, sometimes rebellious, schoolgirl venting her feelings about her teachers, peers and parents. There are plenty of light moments in the early scenes but things take a serious turn when Jesse, Millie’s closest friend, persuades her to join the anti-Government protests.
‘Youth in Flames’ is partly a coming of age story, but it’s also a heartfelt plea for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong. This was what was promised in 1997 when the city stopped being a British colony. And with human rights and democratic values being challenged not just in Hong Kong but in many countries throughout the world, ’Youth In Flames’ is very much a play for our times.
I caught the first preview of this engrossing production, now at a different venue. If anything, it’s even better than it was at last year’s Fringe. Bunker 1 at the Pleasance Courtyard, an intimate space with the audience sitting on three sides of the acting area, is ideal for this tour-de-force.
Martin makes eye contact and treats us as her confidants. We suspend our disbelief and allow ourselves to be transported to Hong Kong, living every moment with her. In a searingly truthful, charismatic and energetic performance, Martin captures the essence of Millie, and also vividly portrays a host of other characters. This is a masterclass which should be watched by every would-be solo performer.
The last section of the play is particularly moving: Martin as Millie relives the violent clashes on the streets which resulted in her friend Jesse being left in a coma with head injuries inflicted by the police. This is acting at its best – not so much acting as inhabiting the heart and soul of Millie.
Jessica Whiley directs with imagination and aplomb, presiding over a talented team delivering the highest production values. Lighting (by Ciara Moss), music and sound effects (by Guy Martin) are superb, helping to transport us to Hong Kong in 2019.
As Martin reminds us in a short speech after the curtain call, things have got even worse in Hong Kong since she wrote the play. Recent events include pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai being jailed for 20 years.
‘Youth in Flames’ is likely to sell out very quickly. Do yourself a favour and book now for what may well be the best show you’ll see this year.
’Youth in Flames’ runs until 31st August. Tickets available at https://www.pleasance.co.uk/events/location/Edinburgh
Reviewer: Tom Scott
Reviewed: 5th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: