The Upcoming
  • Cinema & Tv
    • Movie reviews
    • Film festivals
      • Berlin
      • Tribeca
      • Sundance London
      • Cannes
      • Locarno
      • Venice
      • London
      • Toronto
    • Show reviews
  • Music
    • Live music
  • Food & Drinks
    • News & Features
    • Restaurant & bar reviews
    • Interviews & Recipes
  • Theatre
  • Art
  • Travel & Lifestyle
  • Literature
  • Fashion & Beauty
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • News & Features
    • Shopping & Trends
    • Tips & How-tos
    • Fashion weeks
      • London Fashion Week
      • London Fashion Week Men’s
      • New York Fashion Week
      • Milan Fashion Week
      • Paris Fashion Week
      • Haute Couture
  • Join us
    • Editorial unit
    • Our writers
    • Join the team
    • Join the mailing list
    • Support us
    • Contact us
  • Competitions
  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Instagram

  • YouTube

  • RSS

CultureTheatre

A First World Problem at Theatre503

A First World Problem at Theatre503 | Theatre review
3 July 2014
Lauren Pennycott
Avatar
Lauren Pennycott
3 July 2014

If the Bechdel test can be applied to theatre, then A First World Problem is a first-class example of how to ace it. The subject of the boarding schoolgirl experience has been brought up to date and the state of feminism in this part of the education system is being re-addressed. Candid and funny, with what will be for some alarmingly explicit content, Milly Thomas has captured the juxtaposition of Oxbridge applications and the dorm politics, bullying, drugs and sex that pervades her characters’ lives. Like a revved up St Trinian’s with iPhones and internet access – albeit with parental site restrictions – Thomas tackles a range of very real problems and paradoxes faced by the young, white and privately-educated female.

Eating disorders, bravado, academic pressure and being miserable are matters spotlighted through Hebe (Milly Thomas), Lydia (Kate Craggs) and Amelia (Molly Vevers). The conviction and accuracy of Vevers’ performance as teacher Steve is sincere, intelligent and very believable; with the subtlest of shifts in posture and a flawless Scottish accent, Vever’s skill is both effective and impressive. Playing both posh-boy Hugo, without gimmick or exaggeration that is not firmly warranted by the stereotype, and uptight Ms Broad, Kate Craggs demonstrated control and remarkable ability to hold character. The protagonist Hebe is a melting pot of teenage hormones, calculated cruelty with the vulnerability of a girl on the cusp of womanhood. Thomas holds down an awful lot of dialogue and gives enthralling energy throughout, she brings a new perspective to the word “bitch” – a multi-faceted and strikingly complex performance.

Director and dramaturge Holly Race Roughan and the production team have taken a bravely written piece and fearlessly brought it to life. Frankie Bradshaw’s set is complementary and versatile, allowing for exciting use of the space.  Movement sequences directed by Katie Paynes punctuate the dialogue and body language imaginatively replaces words.

Crude and spiky, this is an intelligent and in all probability quite an accurate depiction of the rarified reality of the privileged girl. Carrying important messages about the expectations on young women at large, their behaviour as individuals, as students and as lovers, this play should be seen by teenagers and adults alike. 

★★★★★

Lauren Pennycott

A First World Problem is at Theatre503 until 12th July 2014. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for A First World Problem here:

Related Itemsa first world problemboarding schooleducationreviewtheatre503

More in Theatre

The End of the Night at Original Theatre Online

★★★★★
Mae Trumata
Read More

The Throne at Charing Cross Theatre

★★★★★
James Humphrey
Read More

Flamenco Festival 2022 at Sadler’s Wells

★★★★★
Jessica Wall
Read More

Beauty and the Beast: The Musical at London Palladium

★★★★★
Cristiana Ferrauti
Read More

National Theatre’s Connections Festival 2022 showcases young theatre talent across the UK

Sophia Moss
Read More

Evelyn at Southwark Playhouse

★★★★★
Jim Compton-Hall
Read More

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World at Theatre Royal Stratford East

★★★★★
Natallia Pearmain
Read More

King Lear at Shakespeare’s Globe

★★★★★
Michael Higgs
Read More

This Is Not Who I Am/Rapture at the Royal Court Theatre

★★★★★
Jessica Wall
Read More
Scroll for more
Tap

Theatre review

Dates

1st July - 12th July 2014

Price

£10-£12

Links & directions

WebsiteMap

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • TOP PICKS

  • Paolo Nutini – Last Night in the Bittersweet
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • Beauty and the Beast: The Musical at London Palladium
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • The Railway Children Return
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Brian and Charles
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Viagra Boys – Cave World
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • Black Bird
    ★★★★★
    apple
  • The End of the Night at Original Theatre Online
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • The Throne at Charing Cross Theatre
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • “We really wanted to create a cabbage gun”: An interview with David Earl and Chris Hayward stars of Brian and Charles
    Cinema & Tv
  • Flamenco Festival 2022 at Sadler’s Wells
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Black Bird
    ★★★★★
    apple
  • Paolo Nutini – Last Night in the Bittersweet
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • Viagra Boys – Cave World
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • The Railway Children Return
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Adele lights up Hyde Park for BST Festival
    ★★★★★
    Live music
The Upcoming
Pages
  • Contact us
  • Join mailing list
  • Join us
  • Our London food map
  • Our writers
  • Support us
  • What, when, why
With the support from:
International driving license

Copyright © 2011-2020 FL Media

Chantal Claret at Barfly | Live review
Julius Caesar at Shakespeare’s Globe | Theatre review