I hope that out of all this grief can come some change . . . that’s all we can hope for, isn’t it?” In a moving episode from Neil Duffield’s new play for M6 Theatre Company, Hero, a bereaved mother thus rationalises her daughter Pamela’s death in a joyriding incident. Unfortunately for the play’s teenage protagonists, the possibility of such change is clearly circumscribed by the pressures put on them to conform - or their need to escape.
Escape for Jase, the villain of the piece, means racing flash cars - other people’s. Unrepentant even when under pressure from the indignant year 1112 audience during the post-production workshop, Jase (Paul Wallis) is a frighteningly credible creation. Jase’s inarticulate friend, Bungy, fancies attractive Frankie. For Bungy too, chances are limited: he has learning difficulties and is, tragically, too easily seduced into crime.
In spite of some predictable plotting - saved by the delicious moment when we learn that “Frankie” is Pamela by another name - Hero is effectively staged and well performed. The audience - at Oldham’s sixth-form college - were clearly moved as Bungy (played with real integrity by Pete Farrah) faced his final dilemma.
Touring schools and colleges until March. M6 Theatre Company: 01706 355898.
