STAGE REVIEW: Seagulls and Sad Sad Stories @ Laurel’s, Whitley Bay (10.12.24)

Hilarious, ridiculous, and at times pretty sad, Seagulls and Sad Sad Stories tore through Laurels in a gripping vortex of fortune, mystery and hand-drawn cocks.

Jam-packed with action, the play follows the before and after exam journeys of sixteen-year-old lads Eggy (Ben Gettins), Ollie (Aaron Fenwick) and Jordan (Jake Jarratt). With exams past (or rather failed), the gang adjust to life stretched out before them, but they can’t resist taking a sneak peak into their fortunes.

Step up Zoltar, the penny arcade fortune teller with an uncanny knack for transporting the boys into existential premonitions of their gloomy, doomed futures. But to be fair £2 should go a long way in an arcade.

How the boys individually cope with thoughts of their fates, whilst living in a world that pecks away at them was where the writing really took flight. Gritty, impactful, but also just so funny, writer Sarah Bond beautifully plays with prejudices that are widespread and uncomfortably familiar. She addresses this with humour and heart, and the camaraderie of the lads shines through at all the right moments.

The performances were sharp and perfectly pitched, and the gang were brilliantly supported by the multifaceted excellence of Maya Torres. Special attention must be given to an excellent acting debut by Aaron Fenwick, ordinarily the lead singer for M4SS Production, who electrified the show with live music throughout.

The play had been named the winner of the inaugural Richard Jenkins Commission, an award designed to support local talent to kickstart their careers in the North East. Hopes were therefore high, and it absolutely delivered.

The night was an exhibition of authentic, chaotic theatre at its absolute best. Edgy couldn’t describe it better, so much of it felt custom, handmade, from the ad-libbing to a (delightfully) naff kazoo playing segment, it just couldn’t just be bottled. It’s always a privilege to be able to witness theatre that feels so truly live.

The writing was excellent, the topic was essential and the characters were instantly recognisable. Oh and there were seagulls as well. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

P.S. A percentage of all ticket sales is being generously donated to Cash For Kids to assist with their Mission Christmas project, in which they donate toys to children across the region, so there’s even more of a reason to see it!

Seagulls And Sad Sad Stories is at Laurel’s, Whitley Bay until 23^rd December