A snapshot of 90s North London girlhood given the gravity and joy it deserves, with a banging soundtrack to match.
In her debut play, Sophie Leonie paints a vivid picture of teenage life in Finsbury Park. There are boys, bullying, friendship and of course, garage music. There is a world that is full of love and excitement, but also danger and competition.
The difficulty of teenage girlhood persists through time, which Leonie illustrates movingly through the second storyline of present-day Jessica’s relationship with her daughter Jasmine, played with innocence and tenderness by Nkhanise Phiri, who is facing her nude pictures being shared on the internet. Home from school, she finds her mother’s tapes and dives into the story of her youth.
The happiness found in friendship is brought to life through charismatic and vibrant performances by Tamara Camacho and Unique Spencer, playing Jessica’s two best friends Chanel and Latisha. With skilful direction by Jade Lewis, this play truly celebrates friendship and takes you down a road of nostalgia, made all the more enjoyable by the excellent soundtrack.
However, Millennium Girls doesn’t shy away from the dark underside of the girl’s fun and excitement. The girls face sexual assault and predation from older men, exhibiting the scrutiny of the over-sexualised world, often seeking to take advantage of those most vulnerable. A theme that is truly brought to fruition after Jessica faces assault and becomes depressed.
Unable to move from her bed and blanketed on New Year’s Eve, the stark contrast between her previous innocence is glaring. However, it’s friendship that saves Jessica, as Chanel and Latisha arrive, get her out of bed, light sparklers and head to Trafalgar square to see in the millennium. An ending that is moving and hopeful, Millennium Girls packs an emotional gut punch and will leave you wanting to go grab your friends, hug them tight, and listen to some garage.
Millenium Girls runs at Brixton House until 31st May 2025. Tickets here.