Flesh

Originally published in ThreeWeeks.

This is youth theatre at its best. Commissioned by Westminister Abbey, 'Flesh' brings together students from three secondary schools in London to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Using the story of one man, music and movement, they pack dozens of perspectives on the slave trade into this short production. Clarity suffers a little in the compression - a reference to Haiti's slave rebellion seems hastily tacked on. But the mixed view of white abolitionists is especially welcome, and if the acting is not quite professional in quality, the music is as good as any you'll hear at the Fringe as there are some fantastic voices in this cast. A timely and important piece of theatre.

Flesh finished its run on 11 August.