Inside of a high school administrative office, Sid and Ali are left to their own devices to question their adolescence. Here they have quandaries of purpose, identity, and affection, turning into a perpetual limbo while waiting for the dreaded principal’s arrival and the consequence they are yet to receive after climbing the outside of the school chapel.
The set is simple, two posh-looking waiting chairs and an administrative office table in the back where a receptionist sits (occasionally she is in and out of the room). It leaves a lot to the imagination, but being set around two teenagers, who are full of imagination, it works.
Throughout, Ali (played by Alex Grech) is seen repeatedly tying and redoing his tie until it’s perfect – a struggle most people have had to deal, with especially if you went to a high school with a uniform (I still haven’t quite mastered it!). In addition to this, he is also seen flipping a coin repeatedly, both signs of his struggle with OCD.
Ali is more on the sheepish side compared to his counterpart, constantly backing down to threats and being more compliant with authority. This creates an interesting dynamic between the two, with Sid acting in more of a leadership role and making most of the decisions for the pair.
Sid is however also dealing with his own issues, such as the death of his grandfather, who’s hip flask he sneaks in to share apple bourbon with Ali. There is also a moment where he discusses if it would be possible to hang himself from the ceiling fan above, even making himself a makeshift noose made from his tie and belt. While this does come off as a joke it also gives the audience an underlying fear for his well being.
This show is dangerously funny while also being dangerously familiar, high school will never be easy, but it’s harder when you’re in the principal’s office.
Molly Reay
Awaiting Evaluation, 11:25, Thistle Theatre at Greenside @ Riddles Court
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/awaiting-evaluation
