Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Damian Robinson enjoys an impassioned, creative and intelligent production from Northern Stage’s Young Company
Image by Topher McGrillis
Demonstrating almost the complete collection of artistic and production skills, the new play from the Northern Stage’s Young Company is more than ‘just’ a show; it’s a showcase of talent, of emotional intelligence, and a showcase of the Company’s potential.
Told over sixty minutes, and evidencing the huge range of skills within the cast (acting, writing, producing), Am I Alone In This? is a fantastic exploration into the reasons for, and the effects, of loneliness.
Emerging from cast conversations and workshops, the narrative of Am I Alone In This? follows a variety of characters across a day in their life, mixing their stories as they pass and interact with each other, gently unveiling their internal challenges as the story develops.
Led through some excellent performances, the Young Company cast shines as they sprinkle the show with the precise levels of humour, sadness and empathy needed to provide each character with their own backstory and help the audience to understand the origins of their loneliness.
Concluding with an exploration of the importance of finding friendship, and being open to people’s diverse backgrounds, Am I Alone In This? not only provokes questions about loneliness, but also provides solutions.
For the Young Company to create and deliver such a well-written, moving, show is a credit to all of those involved. Fantastic.
