STAGE REVIEW: A Class Feeling @ Customs House, South Shields

Image by Benjamin Michael Smith

Building on the success of 2023’s This Is Makina!, A Class Feeling dropped the mic at South Shields’ Customs House.

Punchy and defiant in tone throughout, A Class Feeling explores the hard-hitting themes of social deprivation and class warfare in an enthralling gig-theatre format, combining original tracks and local MC legends with deeply grounded drama. 

Set in the heart of South Shields we follow local lad and wannabe MC Justin (Ben Gettins) as he navigates his grief and friendships. In support is step mam Jam (Kylie Ann Ford), hapless friend Woody (Andrew Finnigan) and the apparent delinquent Adele (Emily Dowson), the latter being a splendid attack on the ‘chav’ label, as a character layered with depth and complexity is sensitively revealed. No-one feels monotonous or stereotypical, and the play makes a deeply moving call for unity and solidarity well beyond the stage.

Bringing the drama back in, Justin is trying to process the loss of his mam and he can’t find the words, or the form. The answer is Makina! Bold, loud and enthralling, A Class Feeling certainly delivered on its name.