The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return by Sam Edmunds. Southwark Playhouse the Little, 77 Newington Causeway, London SE1 until 27 September 2025, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.

Photo Credit: Harry Ellets.

The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return by Sam Edmunds. Southwark Playhouse the Little, 77 Newington Causeway, London SE1 until 27 September 2025,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.

“Pulsating performances.”

Superb performances, immaculate direction and a powerful story about three young teenagers in Luton and a night of madness fuelled by some cheap gin and a lot of running round town ensure this is an evening not to be forgotten. There is one problem, at least there was for me – for ages it is impossible to understand what any of them are saying. It is only as the evening progresses that they start to do what actors must do – convey their words to their audience. It isn't hard to hit the back wall of the Little and they were certainly not inaudible, but some of what they were mouthing sounded like anything but English, even English as spoken in Luton. Actually the play covers pretty familiar ground – Trainspotting comes to mind for a start – as teenage angst is a fringe staple. Here it has certainly been interestingly staged – Rob Miles has come up with a versatile set – and there is the skill with which the cast, not exactly new to their roles, have developed their performances so that they perform seamlessly together. Somebody, of course, gets stabbed and goes to prison after a night fuelled on cheap gin and a lot of music. As the evening progresses and one gets to know Voice, played by Nathaniel Christian with boundless energy and much perspiration, who wants to leave Luton, and his friend, Lewis, played by Elan Butler the play does come together as a story but it takes time. Leanne Henton as Lakesha, Voice's girlfriend and all the other female characters manages the transformations from one character to another beautifully. The production, which pulsates with energy, will tour after this run and is one not to miss – but surtitles would be a great help.

Cast

Elan Butler – Lewis and others

Nathaniel Christian – Voice

Leanne Henlon – Lakesha and others

Creatives

Directors – Sam Edmunds & Vikesh Godhwani

Set Designer – Rob Miles

Sound Designer – Matteo Depares

Movement Director/Intimacy Co-ordinator – Jess Tucker Boyd

Lighting Designer – Sam Edmunds