Review: “The Chaos That Has Been and Will Return” – Luton’s Teen Spirit

Luton, known for having one of the youngest populations in the UK, comes to life in playwright Sam Edmunds’ latest work. His gripping portrayal of life in the 00s through the eyes of teenagers dives into the essence of house parties, from lively pre-drinks to the hazy aftermath. Co-directed by Edmunds and Vikesh Godhwani, this production by Chalk Line theatre company not only buzzes with energy but also beautifully encapsulates the fleeting nonchalance of late adolescence as adulthood looms.

The performance makes an unforgettable impression right from the start. Playing best friends, Olatunji Ayofe and Elan Butler storm the stage, engaging the audience with their infectious energy. Joined by Amaia Naima Aguinaga, who skillfully takes on various supporting roles, the trio frequently emerges from behind the brick wall structures of Rob Miles’s set. The show’s musical beats are intensified by rhythmic chest thumps and fist bangs, with Matteo Depares’s dynamic sound design adding pace to the hour-long production.

Despite the performers’ often cartoonish physicality, the relationships at the heart of the story are endearingly genuine. One particularly touching scene between Ayofe and Aguinaga depicts their embrace at a party through a simple yet powerful gesture: the touching of palms. This moment echoes the “holy palmer’s kiss” of Romeo and Juliet, fitting seamlessly into a narrative that races towards its own intense conclusion.

The production bears a resemblance to Liam Williams’ “Ladhood,” especially in episodes like the boys’ humorous quest to find someone to buy them alcohol and their frequent shifts between embarrassment and exhilaration. Edmunds skillfully weaves social commentary into the plot, addressing issues such as the tangible weight of debt and the struggle to make significant life decisions when survival is already a challenge.

The play paints a rich picture of 00s teenage culture, featuring iconic elements like Lynx spray, Tinie Tempah tunes, Blackberry phones, and counterfeit Ralph Lauren attire. It presents the trio’s bond with as much authenticity and vitality as seen in Tyrell Williams’s “Red Pitch,” mirroring its evocative portrayal of community energy (“the heartbeat of our endz”). The narrative even includes well-chosen anecdotes from Luton’s history.

Beyond its depiction of youthful vibrance, the play offers a profound reflection on how fear can breed anger. Still, the central theme remains one of hope. It’s hard not to be charmed by a show where the narrator pauses the story to join in on the dance moves, symbolizing the joyous spirit this production seeks to convey.

Source: The Guardian