Review of ‘The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return’: “Misleading name hides a spectacular triumph”

The Southwark Playhouse hosts the London premiere of Sam Edmunds’s stirring coming-of-age comedy. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show to let us know this tale of survival of manages to live on under the spotlight.

Alright — that was a long title, an absurdly long title. And not particularly a very orientative one — it could literally mean anything. If I’m honest, I had no idea about what to expect when I ventured back into the Southwark Playhouse last night for the press performance of… You know what? You can see what it’s called on the top of this review — otherwise, I fear my fingers will go on strike.

But although its name might not be the most revelatory, the gripping, life-affirming narrative that unfolded yesterday before the eyes of its first London viewers may have erased all feelings of loss — at least, from a philosophical perspective. It is that deep — and it is that good.

Any show that advertises itself as a coming-of-age plot starring unprivileged heroes walks on an unstable tightrope. We all love an underdog story — and to bring them down the moment we disagree with anything they say (gosh — I love Internet justice). But at the same time, a continuous (and often hypocritical) reminder of how good we, the audience, have it in comparison to the reality portrayed onstage comes across as a pedantic act of preaching that hardly anybody asked for when going to the theatre.

It would be blind not to spot the didactic intentions writer Sam Edmunds displays through his text. But it would be even more stupid not to embrace them. It is not another whining tale about how tough your path becomes, but an inspiring and highly moving jaunt of overcoming all the hurdles that come along the way.

Two besties from a lower-class background in Luton dream of the simplest things — at least, to those who can afford them. They are in their last year of high school. And now it’s time to make the choice that will determine the rest of their fate. For one of them, University is the sensible option. But to the other, it’s a luxury he’s not sure he can allow his family to sink into. Amidst the turmoil of making the right decision, they’ll step into a journey of self-discovery, involving first love, parental issues, true friendship, and life-changing situations.

It’s a beautiful, resonant recount filled with charming humour, sass, and extremely clever, tongue-in-cheek societal comments. There’s so much pathos pouring through the entire narration, and yet the whole performance is overflowing with laughter. Edmunds proves his understanding of the piece’s dramatic needs, structuring it with deftness and bringing a refreshing look to its mundane premise. In the end, it’s just one more account of struggling young people wishing for their world to turn around. Yet, his unique vision brings such a level of individuality that its impact is almost immediate.

Brilliantly directed by Vikesh Godhwani and Edmunds, the production is an excellent example of what theatre and only theatre can do. Three actors play all the piece’s infinite character roster, with practically no sets apart from a few occasional props. Yet, its ability to transport us into its universe is genuinely uncanny — painting a picture that’s so delightfully graspable, and which is sublimed by Edmunds’s whimsical lighting, no matter how annoying it gets to keep repeating his name so many times.

The troupe deserves every possible praise, regaling the audience with flawless interpretations filled with chemistry and exceptional range. Nathaniel Christian delivers an adequate rendition in the protagonist role, effectively mystified as ‘The Voice’. Yet, it’s Elan Butler who gives the most prominent portrayal of the evening, evenly shifting from one personage to another with effortless prowess, nearly matched by Leanne Henlon’s also memorable contributions.

Touching, engaging, and bracingly thought-provoking, The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return brings order to the stage through a profound recount honed into a continuously entertaining product. With just a few tiny improvements needed here and there to boost its already upbeat rhythm and turn down some minor excessive attempts at lecturing guests, the show is by all means a tour de force of theatrical craftsmanship — and an easy jet to a Luton-based bromance.

All pictures credit to Harry Elletson.

The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return plays at London’s Southwark Playhouse Borough until 27 September. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara