‘A wonderful mix of spoken word, music, movement and fast paced dialogue’★★★★ ½

Skillful wordsmith Kae Tempest's play WASTED, received its premiere in 2011.  In this version produced by Isabella Verrico for MICA Theatre, the audience is met with a stage set up for a full band performance. During the play each instrument plays its part adding mood, narrative and poignancy at times.

Enter three close friends. They contemplate life 10 years after the death of the fourth member of their tight knit friendship group. Temi played by Seraphina Beh first confides in Danny, played by Ted Reilly, the level of mundanity she has accepted with her girlfriend, leading to misery in her everyday life. Charlotte played by Isabella Verrico, the on and off girlfriend of Danny, has a new dream she is determined to follow. Set on recapturing a youthful excitement for life the three embark on a wild night out. The ghost of their dead friend Tony, played by the talented musician Mathew Moore, haunts the evening by injecting doubt, regret and hope.
 

The wonderful poetics is punctuated with skilfully performed fast paced dialogue. The movement sequences lift the narrative bringing a captivated audience along with it. The chemistry between the actors brings the well-drawn characters to life, demonstrating a depth that is completely relatable.  Kae Tempest even manages to incorporate humour into what could have been a very melancholic piece.

This compelling story requires its audience to think deeply, laugh hard and shed a few tears.

WASTED at Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, London, SE6 4RU

Box Office: https://www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk/events/wasted-by-kae-tempest/

Wednesday 1 November 2023 – Saturday 11 November 2023 7:30pm | 2:00pm Press Night: Thursday 2nd November 7.30pm

CREATIVE TEAM

Writer | Kae Tempest

Producer | Isabella Verrico for MICA Theatre

Producing support | Guillaume Doussin for ALT. Productions

Director | Toby Clarke

Lighting Designer | Pablo Fernandez

Lighting Programmer |

Stage Manager| Tj Roderick

Assistant Director | Ariana Xeno

Sound Technician | TJ Roderick

Set and Costume | MICA Theatre

Reviewed by Paula David