STAGE REVIEW: Snakes And Ladders @ Prohibition Cafe Bar, Newcastle (31.07.25)

After a sold-out, five-star run at Laurels in Whitley Bay, Snakes & Ladders arrived at the Newcastle Fringe Festival with justified anticipation. This gripping one-act play, produced by Burlison Entertainment, offered a raw and empathetic exploration of youth mental health, laying bare the emotional toll of being unheard and unsupported in a flawed system.

At the centre of the story is Cara West, a 17-year-old girl navigating years of mental health challenges. Isolated and misunderstood, Cara’s voice has been lost in a world that too often looks the other way. Her journey takes a pivotal turn when she begins sessions with psychologist Simon Stephens, a compassionate professional who offers what she has rarely encountered before: someone who truly listens.

Their relationship forms the emotional core of the piece. Through patient, heartfelt dialogue, the play reveals the transformative power of empathy and connection. Rather than offering easy answers, Snakes & Ladders presented a deeply human account of struggle, resilience, and the importance of being seen.

All the performances were quietly powerful, grounded in truth and emotional sensitivity. Special praise must go to actor playing Simon, as his subtle, nuanced portrayal of an embattled psychologist took the play to a whole new level.

Impeccably directed by the 17-year-old (!) Dan Burlison, Snakes & Ladders is a vital piece of advocacy, challenging and reminding everyone that behind every diagnosis is a person who deserves to be heard. This is essential, urgent theatre with a message that lingers long after the final line.