Until They Kick Us Out

Presented by YEP (Young Everyman Playhouse)
Devised and performed by YEP Young Actors
Co-Directors Matt Rutter & Chris Tomlinson
Liverpool Everyman Theatre
23 February - 28 February 2015

Reviewed by Colin Serjent
Photograph by Brian Roberts

This is a provocative satire on the political system in the UK, in which there is never a dull moment.

The 30 plus members of YEP, all dressed in casual gear and wearing the obligatory trainers, express myriad views and opinions about contemporary politics, asking many questions about the failings of the Westminster system.

There was nothing new about what the young actors were expressing, whether it be issues about discrimination, exploitation of young people in the job market, climate change, sexism, etc, but what was novel was the manner in which they did so in such a radical and very funny way.

They performed a number of comical sketches which related to serious issues, for example, Nigel Farage was taken on safari in Africa and introduced to all the different species of wildlife residing there and how they interact with each other.

Another amusing sketch was the 18-year-old woman who went to the jobcentre to try to get a job. The advisor could only conjure up one job for her, which did not require qualifications - become an MP! You get 58K a year plus expenses.

There were justifiably barbed remarks about the affluent ruling class and the toffs of Eton, Oxford and Cambridge who dominate the running of the country.

Another sketch worth mentioning was of the teacher - once a role model of sorts - now invariably glued to a computer screen doing endless paperwork. You see the rest of the cast imitating typing.

What was stark and disturbing for 'socialists' was the almost complete disillusionment with the present day Labour party and what they do and don't stand for.

In relation to this the young are saying, why should we vote for any party, never mind Labour, in such a rotten and corrupt system.

Co-directors of Until They Kick Us Out Matt Rutter and Chris Tomlinson commented before the launch of the play that one way or another young people will be heard at the general election on 7 May. In my opinion by a lot of them not even bothering to vote.

Some of the cast formed a Really Sound Party, which stood for election in the Wavertree ward, which they won. Sadly it was all a dream....

Music was a major outlet of protest by young people in the late 70s, early 80s and mid-90s, but as Noel Gallagher recently stated, there is little coming out of the council estates these days. Apathy rules the day I'am afraid.

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