The Posh boys are back. With an updated script and a new political background, this is a production that depicts today’s social issues with frightening accuracy, shocking humour and thankfully very little tact.
The ten members of the Riot Club are together again for their termly dinner, an evening of toasts, forfeits, musical chairs and general drunken destruction. The evening begins to turn sour when only nine birds are discovered in the ten-bird roast, an insult from the pub landlord, who comes to represent the now ruling working class.
Endless amounts of alcohol are consumed as the conversation ranges from the obscene to the obsolete. Sex is high on the agenda and when the post main-course call girl refuses to comply with the riot club demands, the pack turns to Rachel, waitress and landlord’s daughter for amusement.
The pace picks up in the second half, with less round the table chatter, and the climax of the action comes suddenly and shockingly. The hedonistic destruction of their private dining room is beautifully and elegantly choreographed, and it clashes disturbingly with the impulsive actions of the next scene.
The script is fast paced and the cast is excellent at maintaining their energy throughout. They make a convincing group, with simple but clear characterisation adding to their authenticity.
Some of the most enjoyable moments come in the form of the acappella group performances of modern pop songs, complete with beat boxing and harmonising. Although not immediately relevant to the plot, they serve to break the tension and add to the ultimate ridiculousness of the self important Riot Club.
For the politically minded, Posh is a stark portrait of the upper class, with a nod to some of the men that lead Britain today. It is a comment on the insular upper class ‘club’ and its ability to protect its members from failure and disgrace. And for those that simply want to see a great play; Posh is simply a riot.
POSH continues until 4 August, book here.
Written by a Thoroughly Modern Miss, Jenny Greenwood.