Bright Young Things is a coming of age production about several young game show contestants who seek to win the grand prize and be named the country’s brightest. Produced by Sun & Wine Arts Company, this show was written by Georgia Christou and directed by Claire Yorston.
Upon sitting down in the audience, I was immediately drawn to the stage design. There was a table in front of the stage with an actor, soon revealed to be Rochelle’s father, sitting at it looking at a telephone. On stage sat six chairs on upper stage left with five actors seated (the game show contestants). All actors, waited patiently, watching as audience members settled in. This offered an interesting and engaging image that drew me in, along with the red lighting over them.
Despite the lack of space, the actors maintained good blocking throughout the show. It was good to see how the production utilised the space it had. The stage design consisted of the game show space onstage and a green room/Rochelle’s house were in front of the stage at the table. Minimal props such as a telephone, maps and a bowl of potato chips, were used to indicate scene changes, which allowed for smoother transitions.
All costumes were basic but effective for each character’s personality and development. An example of this was when one of the contestants, Shian, tried on Rochelle’s jacket. Untying her hair and adjusting her outfit was a way to show the character’s personal realisation of her independence and newfound confidence.
Throughout the play there was an effective use of audio effects and music. Including when the phone was ringing, the show theme, and game show buzzers. The lighting was fairly standard and accompanied the scenes well, shifting between white wash and spotlights when necessary, when representing the more intimate character moments.
Some of the highlights that stood out to me included the use of symbolism and dynamics. I reference the symbolism of authority and control displayed throughout, growing and decreasing as the play went on. The role of the corporate bosses were represented initially by two actors. Each scene where they were trying to portray a stronger sense of control, an actor was added to the group, the voices speaking in unison and growing louder and stronger. As it got softer and weaker, actors were removed.
As the game show progressed, the contestants grew in confidence in themselves, revealing more of the bosses agenda and as well as the potential of who the characters knew they could be.
Another key point of possible symbolism was displayed in Rochelle’s flashback of her mother leaving. Instead of only using the two actors, multiple cast members appeared, echoing words Rochelle had heard her mother say. As Rochelle relived her trauma, the memory acted as a distraction, losing her the place in the final round of the competition. This was an especially interesting portrayal of emotional depth and context for her character, as we had only seen glimpses prior.
All actors performed respectfully well and worked together to tie the production together. Notable moments in particular were during the monologues of the contestants, including Esther and Bernie. Congratulations to all for a fantastic performance.
To book tickets to Bright. Young. Things., please visit https://sunwinearts.wixsite.com/sun-and-wine-arts-co/copy-of-compass.
