PlayFight at Seven Dials Playhouse

PlayFight is enjoying an extended stint at the Seven Dials Playhouse, transferring after a brief run at The Pleasance. The one-act play, written by Christina Alagaratnam, provides an unflinching account of three teenage friends navigating their way through life in a tight-knit community, when a series of events redetermine their paths. Forced to grow up quickly, the trio confront society’s expectations of them as they endeavour to simply survive in what can often be a cruel world where racism and stereotypes still sadly exist. 

This is a hard-hitting, emotionally charged evening of theatre that leaves its audience with a great deal to consume and process after a candid and raw exploration of mental health and trauma. Crucially, thanks to the well-crafted characters and some utterly engaging performances, we very quickly invest in the journey each character embarks upon. There is a beautiful authenticity to the script, which employs colloquial dialogue that permits it to feel incredibly timely and relevant. Character-based humour provides a little light as the friends believably banter with one another. Twists and turns surprise us and a suitably emotional weight enshrouds the room. 

With a simple yet effective set by Eliandro Montiero, this issue-based play comes at a time when mental health difficulties are alarmingly evident, particularly amongst younger people. Beyond the ideas at its heart, this is a multi-layered character study that covers a great deal in a relatively short time. Leian John Baptiste’s direction is sensitive and often subtle, yet also carries a degree of urgency. It’s more than clear just how much passion has been invested by the cast and creatives. 

There are moments whereby the pace dips a little with some of the dialogue being a little too drawn-out: almost unnatural pauses sometimes slow proceedings too much. That said, a play of such weighty subject matter requires some breathing space to absorb and process the themes. After 85 minutes, there is a great deal to digest but it’s commendable that the team refuses to shy away from tackling the array of issues it holds under the microscope. 

Orisun Productions seeks to provide a platform for Black creatives and, if this is anything to go by, the company are certainly one to watch.  A sincere, truthful study of incredibly pertinent matters, PlayFight serves as an insightful, impactful and important piece of theatre.

Jonathan Marshall

PlayFight is at Seven Dials Playhouse from 10^th July until 5^th August 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.