The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return Review - Freshtah Nabizadah

The precipice of choice and conflict, a theme that followed the characters through the play. A heavy weight that was felt and overshadowed their experience of being young teenagers in Luton, going to a party, before facing a big decision of potentially going to university or staying in a trapped but known bubble of home.

This conflict was felt through their portrayal, their expressions, body language and the way they switched seamlessly and apparently through characters in their small multi-rolling cast.

The way they showed the troubles and struggles of adolescence was realistic, in that it felt like they were trapped in opaque boxes. The way the differing teenage perspectives were shown were factual in experience, everyone has something going on that cannot be seen, especially as a teenager where your world view can be so narrow.

Their message about social injustice at some points felt tense, their struggles building pressure and thoughts screamed at you, as if forcing you to wake up and confront the issue. Such as issues of knife crime, and social class that was given context in the play, Luton having been a hat making industry and being monumental in WW2 and so was bombed many times in their effort to help the war effort. Towards the end of the play Lewis is critically hurt during a confrontation and we are left to assume he is dead until he appears at the end, happy and healthy, in university. His mother visits his perpetrator in prison to give him a hug and to talk which then leads to her receiving a letter of gratitude, this showed reflecting perspectives and humanised an otherwise antagonistic character.

However, although the tension in the conflict was prevalent it was not a moody play. It was entertaining and wholesome, especially in how it presented male friendships. With Lewis and Voice checking in with each other and encouraging each other to pursue opportunities.

Overall, the play touched on social topics while remaining humorous and wholesome.

Review by Freshtah Nabizadah 

The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return Review - Jen Ramm

Confronting, exhilarating and nostalgic, The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return balances humour with thought-provoking insight, written by Sam Edmunds and co-directed with Vikesh Godhwani. Donning their (faux) Ralph Lauren polo shirts, texting on Blackberrys and adorning their bedrooms with Sean Paul posters, laddish teenagers Voice and Lewis transport us to times gone by - to austerity-stricken Luton, some twenty years ago. At times, the production may feel like a nostalgic trip into the past, yet it carries themes that still resonate today. Through the lens of friendship, youth, and hope, one momentous night unravels; we witness the rawness and mayhem of growing up in a place caught in the undertow of systemic neglect. 

Voice and Lewis are two sides of the same coin, each trying to shape their future while navigating a town scarred by violence and few opportunities. Throughout, Chaos manages to mix lightheartedness with harsh reality. Towards the end of a night of partying, drinking and first kisses, Lewis becomes a victim of knife crime - he survives, and expresses his forgiveness for his attacker in a moment of wisdom and vulnerability not often seen from teenage boys. This is an area where the show excels: portraying male character dynamics through a yin-yang perspective. Streaks of violence, but displays of softness towards each other as well as their crushes, Jas and Lakesha. Machoism and schoolboy bravado, but sensitivity when it comes to relationships, life choices and bearing the weight of their parents' sacrifices. The pair can share their fears, hug, and harbour an openness that feels rare and deeply human. Chaos does a wonderful job at highlighting the tenderness that can prevail in male friendships even amidst chaos, danger, and the pressures of growing up. These themes are boldly explored against the backdrop of a simple, minimalistic set that comes alive with dynamic lighting and vibrant colours. 

Despite the obstacles these Luton-born and bred characters face, they remain rooted in their home - even if they dream of blooming elsewhere. With further education often seen as an escape from a difficult environment, Voice and Lewis grapple with the tension between belonging and ambition. Still, the characters take pride in the vibrancy of their hometown, referring fondly to the bossman who runs the corner shop, or the different cultural communities that bring colour and life to their streets. Chaos underscores the idea that home is what you make of it.

The performance comes full circle, ending with Voice and Lewis back on the same brick wall where their story started. Certain moments in the dialogue risk feeling moralising, as we listen to the two boys reflect on how life is defined by the choices we make - the lesson spelt out a little too explicitly. Still, the duo concludes the show’s story, showing how it is possible to hold onto hope and the possibility of a brighter future. While a little heavy-handed and bombastic at times, Chaos is sure to leave those who grew up in a similar time with a warm, fuzzy feeling driven by nostalgia, or even a bittersweet sense of validation and being seen in the story. And yet, it still mirrors the spectrum of experiences young people face today. 

Jen Ramm, she/her

Review by Jen Ramm

https://jenramm.wordpress.com/

TRASHedy Review - Louisa Cox

The Peterborough audience were delighted to view ‘Trashedy’. ‘Trashedy’ was performed by multi-acclaimed theatre company Performing:group. ‘Trashedy’ explores the impact of consumerism in a chaotic, risky society due to the environmental climate crisis, giving the audience opportunity to change.

A particular aspect of the performance which gave me the tools to advocate for change is the segment which explains how the audience are given a choice who they give their money to, similar in the decisions we make when voting for a government. For example, individuals have a choice whether to give money to large corporations. After leaving the show, walking around the Peterborough city, I found myself reflecting on ways I could make a change, for example through making a conscious choice/’vote’ as to what corporations I support. Theatre is a creative way to share research and ideas with others about our world and Performing:group has portrayed this with ease.

The show utilised physical theatre movements which captivated the complexity of society. For example, bodies were used to create a monkey to move around the audience, leaving the young audience in hysterics. Further, movements were used to show how our bodies are slumped over our laptops in a fast-paced, technological world. Whilst ‘Trashedy’ began in 2013, these scenes felt more apt than ever in 2025 during a post-COVID digital world.

‘Trashedy’ allowed me to think personally and politically. It made me consider how personal responsibility has an impact on consumer culture, in a technological, political, environmental and media-saturated society. Children, young people and adults must work together to ensure messages and knowledge are passed on, therefore theatre is the ideal backdrop to portray society.

Trashedy received stellar reviews from the audience, which was thoroughly deserved. Trashedy was hilarious and comical, with powerful, thought-provoking messages, allowing the audience to change the environmental landscape.

TRASHedy review - Jen Ramm

A brilliant fusion of movement, sound and comedy, Trashedy confronts us with the growing significance of being more eco conscious.

Rhythmic, fluid dance sequences conveyed the monotony of everyday life, but took into consideration just how much waste the average person produces; Trashedy confronts us with the realities of our consumer-driven habits and the environmental consequences they carry. At one point, plastic cups are strewn all over the floor following an impressive, albeit chaotic, routine that mirrors the overwhelming accumulation of waste in our daily lives. It’s a striking visual metaphor; Trashedy managed to weave the theme of environmentalism tactfully into every step. The actors of performing:group, the ensemble who put the show together, are then left with the aftermath as they explore with the audience how our habits shape the world around us.

Comedic sections injected lightness into the show, even including audience participation, leading to ripples of laughter amongst the audience despite the heavy subject matter. Alongside this, we learn more about the processes involved in mass production, from factory lines to packaging to meat production, illustrated in a hand drawn video. Personally, I will always advocate for shopping secondhand for items such as clothing, for the simple fact that it’s better for the planet - and as Trashedy highlights in its own unique way, there is no planet B. Except, the show doesn’t preach this - it performs.

It’s relatively easy to relax in a theatre, laugh, and forget all of your worries for a while, but shows like Trashedy carry a message about our world that is too powerful to be glossed over; its meaning stayed with me, even after I’d walked out of The Key Theatre doors.

TRASHedy: A powerful call to action for environmental stewardship through laughter and reflection

Review by Maleeha Iqbal

In a world increasingly defined by environmental crises and rapid overconsumption, TRASHedy takes the stage and becomes a powerful platform for reflection and advocacy. Two performers take us on an eye-opening and chaotic journey through a consumer-driven world, making us question how much waste we will leave behind and what our contribution to this world is.

Through the art of movement, their bodies intertwined to share the depths of the vicious cycle the environment goes through time and time again. In the beginning scene, the animals are brought to life to live and breathe in their habitat and roam the world freely. But they face obstacles and barriers due to habitat destruction, pollution, deforestation, and overconsumption.

While watching the play, I was taken aback by how some of our daily tasks or leisure time could be somewhat impacting our environment in a negative way. Like online shopping, using petrol, or simply having the latest iPhone. So throughout the play, I became mindful of what I spend my money on, and the little ways I can contribute to protect my environment.

The storytelling was well crafted yet unapologetically funny. Props, lighting, and music contributed to telling such an innovative story. In one of the scenes, the animal is being forced to drink out of paper cup.sOnee cup leads to 3 cups leads to 10 cups leads to 15 cups and so on these cups then are thrown onto the stage floor, signifying a heap of mess and how much harmful waste is created every day. Audience engagement seemed to be a priority in spreading the message. Throughout the scenes, we would see the actor and actress use an audience member's shoe or phone as a prop, building a personal connection with the audience.

Towards the end of the play, we listen to our voice memo recorded by the two performers, discussing how they are going to convey their message through the play, but in their own unconventional and unique way. This was quite a special moment for us as the audience because we were able to get a glimpse into their creative process and the very beginning chapters.

As someone who has watched a handful of plays in her time, I found TRASHedy to be a memorable play as it made me think, laugh, and reflect.