Review: I AIN’T DUMB, Belgrade Theatre Coventry

Photo credit: Alex Brenner

Written by Tom Wright, I Ain’t Dumb is set in a tough inner-city school and follows five classmates as they deal with life’s issues including racism, homophobia, sexism and religious discrimination.

Wright’s precise and unambiguous script is refreshingly honest and realistic.  To deal with these kinds of topics, it needs performances that are not afraid to tell it how it actually is, instead of how the powers of society would like us to believe it to be and hide these important issues and that is exactly what we have here.

Central character Cieren (Simon Castle) and his bestie Natasha (Nicole Mbaeri) are trying desperately to hold everything together, but with sex secrets intertwined and teenage angst flying about, it’s not an easy task.

Directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair, this world premiere in Wright’s hometown of Coventry is such an important piece of theatre.  Dealing with so many of the topical and relevant issues people are frightened to talk about, it might be shocking to an audience in places but it will make you go away thinking about how we conduct ourselves and how an individual’s life can be affected and that is exactly what a good piece of theatre should do.

With realistic performances throughout, it’s easy to watch and difficult not to question yourself afterwards.

Realistic, hard hitting and gritty, this is definitely one to watch; not only for young adults but for an older generation too.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

I Ain’t Dumb plays at The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry until 12 February, with tickets available here.