Hanging around on the Estate Walls

When: 21st September – 9th October 2010 at 7.45pm

Where: Oval House Theatre, 52-54 Kennington Oval, London. SE11 5SW

£: 12 (concessions 6)

What is it?

Estate Walls tells the story of Obi, Myles and Cain, three young men who have grown up on a tough East London estate.  Struggling to face up to adulthood and their future the three tussle with themselves and each other.  The play is a lot more light-hearted than I was expecting with some excellent comic lines delivered by Myles (Ricci McLoed).  For instance, when accused of not being able to read, he retorts “I’ll have you know I read at least 15 text messages a day”.

As the story progresses the darker elements of their lives creeps in, Obi questions his friends actions and lifestyle.  Obi  (Daniel Norford) is a poet and the only one of the three that is trying to make a future for himself.  He tries to make the others see how carrying on the way they do will only get them killed.

The whole play is well performed with just about the right amount of anger and frustration interspersed with tenderness and comedy.  The love interest comes in the form of Chelsea, who almost manages to make Cain (Daniel Green) see sense about his life before things begin to unravel.  Reggie (Huss Garbiya) the resident crack addict is never far away and offers as much menace as he does humour.

More info: Oval House Theatre