The Everyman Theatre's newest play, Our Town Needs a Nando's, is a funny, touching and riotous showcase of what it's like to be a teenager - and it got a standing ovation and shrieking cheers from the audience last night.
The Hope Street based theatre is no stranger to local stories, with its Young Everyman and Playhouse programmes championing young, homegrown talent. Samantha O'Rourke, the writer behind this emotive play, is a YEP alumni and it's refreshing to see such a reputable theatre following through on its promise to back the next generation of theatre makers and creators.
Our Town Needs a Nando's tells the story of friends Beth, Rachel, Zahidah, Ellie and Chloe who feel trapped in their stifling small town, where - you guessed it - there isn't even a Nando's. It perfectly captures those teenage feelings of frustration and powerlessness over the trajectory of one's life, with comedic elements aplenty interspersed with poignant and relevant explorations of sexuality, class, relationships, female friendship and the very real - and all too frightening - threat to young women.
