Alienation, social exclusion and the trials of high school life, are just some of the themes that crop up in Philip Ridley’s 1997 play, Sparkleshark, a children’s show that appeals to grownups to. Presented by Bouncy Castle Productions, the show explores the power of fantasy over reality in the most unlikely of places.
Taking place on the rooftop of an unnamed tower block somewhere in London, and follows outcast school boy Jake, (Alex Harding) as he writes a new story. But when he’s discovered by fellow outcast, Polly, (Rafaella Marcus) they join forces to save him from the physical threats of the local bully, Russell (Jack Peters) and together they create a tale that will affect everyone they know in different ways.
Ridley’s play for children and young people has been a popular choice of youth theatre groups around the world, including Youth Lyric in Ireland and the Australian Theatre for Young People. Combining traditional storytelling with typical teenage angst, Sparkleshark is a touching and nostalgic look into the power of social exclusion and high school social hierarchy. Although nostalgic, romanticised and at times slightly clichéd, this play casts aside any preconceptions with its portrayal of the value of storytelling. Director Aumna Iqbal’s production is a simple and warm-hearted affair that allows the audience to get lost in the forgotten magic of the story whilst maintaining an enviable flair for imagination. Featuring a basic set consisting of discarded furniture and school costumes by Parisa Azimy, this show is both simultaneously believable and universally familiar. A young cast unite to tell a beautifully simple story that invigorates and stimulates, as in some scenes it was very easy to become immersed in the characters’ make believe world. One for both kids and adults, this is a theatrical piece of pure escapism at its best.