A quick fire peek behind the curtain of drama school.
Set in a no doubt expensive drama school studio, 3 drama students try to navigate their way through the many lows of insecurity, self-doubt, wondering what it is all for, mixed in with the unshakable faith that they are equally talented as their peers, as they work towards the talent showcase.
Drama Girls begins with the three students rehearsing and a clever voiceover playing the drama teacher who pops up a few times during their classes, to offer mostly criticism to the ever-doubting students. Although scenes were fairly similar to each other, it was the humour, satire and friendship that was the focus. The scene where they went to a club because they needed it and one blowing off going to work in 35 minutes was relatable. We have either all been there or certainly know someone who has!
The simple staging – 3 banner uprights and mirrored material, with equally simple yet typical drama student costume-all black, and a barre worked well, in this instance. It gave the performers a free-flowing space which worked with the quick-fire scenes, often at times feeling like one constant flowing act. I loved the pink lighting used for the switch in scenes and appreciated the song choices, which were largely all female bands or singers. I thought that was a nice touch and reaffirmed the plays message of three women following a somewhat impossible and unstable dream.
All three performers were engaging and high energy. I think they portrayed their characters well. There were a few moments where it felt like what had been said should have been funny and they paused momentarily in anticipation and didn’t get the response, but equally there were many times where it felt like the laughter from the audience was unexpected. But I think people will relate to the scenarios on different levels.
Drama Girls is a fast-paced, high-energy show, full of a lot of laughs, satire and some all too relatable moments. It is certainly more relatable and would appeal to those who have lived the drama school experience (or know those that have) but it is equally enjoyable and light hearted enough to engage with even if you haven’t been to drama school, though I found a fair few jokes went over my head. Whilst the play has a simple plot, it almost feels like the writer is recounting their own experiences at drama school and gives the audience a peek behind the curtains; it is still upbeat and fun. And yes, they did thank the techs at the end.