This raw authentic account of working-class youth in Glasgow – is also representative of other areas across Scotland. The language, bravado and relationships are a real homage of how it feels to be a ‘bam from a scheme’. The themes explored are all real. Not the middle-class mirage that is often portrayed when these stories are tackled. There’s no excess of drugs or glorifying of violence, there’s the aspirations and reluctance that youths from this background will all experience.
There’s comedy and humility which is often overlooked in these sorts of tales. The Fringe is a place where minorities come to tell their story – some come to talk about their experiences of racism, sexism or homophobia etc. But at the same time, as in much of media, the working-class is ill-forgotten – it’s nice to see a play which showcases a strong working-class representation, especially in a Edinburgh, a city which often shies away from the reality.
The script is tight, the acting is exceptional and there’s a real sincerity in the way the characters talk. Revolving around four lads and two lasses, meeting up to just get ‘bevvied’, their motivations and antics are a real account of working-class teenagers in Scotland. Further to that, they talk in a way you’d expect a working-class Scot to talk – it feels real.
The direction of the play ensures it keeps moving at rapid pace, moving from scene to scene, flowing joke to joke. Weaving the story with the deep and emotional backbone that propels it. Everyone plays their part brilliantly, with each actor getting a chance to shine.
My only criticism is that it is a shortened version of their full play. I assume the show ends on the second act – with one of the girls informing us the story continues in a different showing of the play. Regardless, it concludes with a clear message, delivered with such sincerity and energy that it stands out as one of the most moving, authentic plays I’ve seen at the Fringe.
When We Were Young, Space 3 at the Space on the Mile, 18:05, Until 23 Aug
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/when-we-were-young
Jed Bowen
