@ Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, until Sat 9 Apr 2016
(part of A Play, A Pie & A Pint)

Directed by Gareth Nicholls, Prom’s simple story centres around four friends recalling the lead up to their high school prom, their adoration of a fellow pupil and the alarming events of the evening, some years ago. Naturally, as the years have passed, the protagonists remember only their “good” behaviour. Whilst they recall some high jinx, the work then develops into a morality piece about unseen consequences and how our actions during our youth may or may not be a blueprint for how we act in later life.

The play is a mixture of dialogue, choreography and a number of well-performed songs. Now, if the words “prom” and “music” make you think this is a Scottish version of Glee then forget it. The fruity language and grown up themes dispel that worry fairly quickly.

This play is so energetic in its script delivery, it’s impossible not to be caught up in the characters’ excitement. The cast must deliver their lines with so little time to spare that their enthusiasm to draw you into their tale is infectious.

This ensemble piece requires a lot from Nicola Roy, Ryan Fletcher, Helen Mackay and Martin McBride. However, it must be said that they are flawless, and deliver a succession of scenes with which the audience can easily engage.

The ending is interesting. The audience are so palpably engaged that when the lights do go down there is a sense of each person being left to fill in their own ending. In fact my companion and I have quite different interpretations of what the play is about.

Oliver Emanuel has written a piece that resonates positively with all ages and is full of humour as well as pathos. Collectively, the cast and crew have been involved in hundreds of productions and the overall quality of writing, performance and direction shines through as a result.

If you like proms go and see this. If you don’t like the proms go and see this. Bottom line… catch this where you can.