Presented as a page-to-stage adaptation of Manjeet Mann’s award-winning book, Run, Rebel follows our teenage protagonist Amber who feels trapped by the patriarchal culture that bubbles beneath her domestic life as she progresses in her school life (in particular, her love of running).
Will she rebel, like the people she’s exposed to by her love of reading? Will History repeat itself? Will she set her (and relatives) free?
It’s an expansive story – set in the oft-forgotten Midlands – that really feels fresh from the very start. I was really impressed with the all-star cast (and ensemble), for their ability to convey the physical theatre of the piece. The movement in particular, with direction by Tessa Walker, is to be commended for its engaging factor. I was able to resonate with the character, their struggle to comprehend two very differing cultures and being caught in the cross-fire of the pressures that come with being a dual-heritage teenager in the UK.
We’re introduced to the family: an abused mother, as well as an alcoholic father (played very convincingly by Pushpinder Chant). What really impressed me in this was the way in which the ensemble cast played a variety of roles, and the sheer conviction with this (be it facial expressions, as well as physical changes to denote this) were really well executed.
I went along to see this co-production – at its very first UK 2023 tour venue – to be completely blown away by the intimacy of the piece. It is a stunning collaboration between four theatres: Mercury Theatre, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Derby Theatre and York Theatre Royal. My only barb with this was the stereotypical trope of the father-figure being one-dimensional, and I appreciate that this being a piece aimed at 11+ and with its source material that those conversations would not have been interrogated. Alas, the entire production was one that stuck in my mind due to its compelling videos as well as the innovative set consisting of the ramps on which the notion of running was depicted rather effectively.
My advice would be: Don’t walk, Run (!) towards this piece of theatre with the teenager in your life: more information of the entire tour can be found here.
LISTING INFORMATION:
Pilot Theatre in Run, Rebel at York Theatre Royal, March 7 to 11, 7pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 1pm, Wednesday to Friday matinees; 2pm, Saturday matinee. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
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