Review: Snakes & Ladders Laurel’s Whitley Bay

Snakes & Ladders Laurel’s Whitley Bay

Invited| Review by Aaron Whittington

So firstly an apology, as this review came rather later than my usual turn around times for reviews on a show. However in some way it’s also reflective of the point this play makes. For the fabulous recognition and appreciation we have for the NHS this play reflects the fragility and demand on it that in turn detriment the point of it, to be able to provide the support one needs. The delays, the treatment as a case number rather than person, the playing of the system to get you through a psychiatry hold.

This is one person experience of the system. Cara West a 17 year old girl arriving for a counselling session with her now sixth counsellor. Troubles at home, a hidden eating disorder, GP’s and ignored by teachers. The bond she makes with her latest one Simon, who utilities an alternative method of using Snakes & Ladders that seeks to break that barrier and encourage an openness and most importantly trust between them. By the rules, maybe not but Simon is in this for the right reasons and if opening up to his vulnerabilities helps someone else, then he will.

It shows the benefit that building a relationship can have and the impact it can have on one who is trying to get support. To be listened to, not talked down too or overlooked. A later event with her father then takes us on a journey of a system seeking to just process people rather than treat them.

Annie Edwards plays our teenager in need, Cara West. I have to say I was bowled over by her performance. She managed to portray an anger in her character at being failed by the services that are there to ‘help’, a vulnerability when opening up. Both her physical and verbal acting hit me as an audience member. I was immersed into her story l, saddened by events throughout and relieved at the end. I lived it with her all the way through.

Steven Udale as Dr Simon Stephens was the mean well psychologist. Although his character a bit bumbly, starting off on the wrong foot referring to Cara as a case number and starting off with certain expectations of an initial meeting. He has his own personal reasons for doing what he does but with an alternative method. Steven came across brilliantly as someone that cared beyond the job, truly interested in helping as he came across friendly, inquisitive and yet respectful for Cara’s responses.

The setting was brilliant as the background of Cara’s troubles were explained with a flashback to scenes of her as a child. Rather than just replacing her on stage we saw both Cara’s reaction in the background and a Young Cara (Chloe Young) struggle with her Mum Sheila West(Dawn Wolfe) and younger sister (Molly Hall) in multiple scenes at home and school .

Chloe Young performed this with as much emotion as our main character in her older years, continuing us to feel Cara’s troubles. Dawn Wolfe showed us a tired Mum, one trying to do her best under the circumstances. Trying to shield both of her kids as a parent would while fighting for the help her daughter needs. I felt her sadness and desperation. Molly Hall as Cara’s younger sister also reminds us that this impacts the whole family, while not suffering any issues herself she is impacted through the attention and focus put on her elder sister, and being overlooked herself.

Through David Patrick, We learn of schools seeking to keep their reputation intact rather than provide support to the actual victim through School Head Mr Swift, doubling up as Cara’s father John West who abandoned Cara at a early age which continued to have an impact as well as a rejection in the play that leads Cara to an attempt on her own life.

Julie Barton & Janet Brown demonstrate the part of the NHS that seeks to just process people, play the game and get out rather than help and support. Almost intimidating and abusive in parts, which must only leave a patient in more of a vulnerable state than they come in for. Deprived of the support that is her counsellor Simon, the only one who has really understood her go goes unheard, with no family support either.

We learn that Dr Stephens alternate methods don’t marry up with the authorities expectations and is dismissed from his responsibility with Cara and yet another appointed to her case in the way of Helen Peters played by Lynne Patrick.

Thankfully the end isn’t tragic in this case, Simon meets up with Cara. With a future to help others another way. Cara has a future to build, a more positive outlook. Achieved only by those that took the time to treat her an and individual and listen.

I cried throughout this play. I looked across and saw others too. Sniffles were heard, and a standing ovation occurred at my matinee performance and I hear subsequently at the evening showing. For those watching it was hard for us not to be touched by this. Some in the audience may have had experiences or know of those with similar lived experiences, others just saddened at the story and reminded of the real life difficulties people face when seeking help.

This was produced by 16 year old Dan Burlison. I am 41 years of age and watching this production come together like it did, shows me a maturity and care for a subject matter far beyond his young years suggest. The same can be said for the cast to as they brought this to life and deserve much of the credit also.

I have since been told this has interest from schools and mental health support organisations also. This is a story that is wide reaching and relevant. So if you read this please do reach out and get involved because it deserves to be in the main whether that’s educating people or on stage at a larger venue.

Thank you to Laurels Whitley Bay also who provided the space and opportunity for this to be shown. I cannot emphasise enough how important fringe theatres are to the success of local arts.

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