Review: RUN, REBEL, Belgrade Theatre Coventry
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
If you have ever felt trapped by your own fears, then you’ll immediately have empathy with Amber, who is also trapped by her family’s rules and their expectations. The only way she knows how to escape is running and on the track, she is completely free. Her body speeds up and the world slows down; only then do the mixed up lines in her head become straighter. Only then does Amber know the time is right to start a revolution, for her mother, for her sister and for herself.
Written by Manjeet Mann, Run, Rebel is the world premiere adaptation of a celebrated novel, directed by Tessa Walker. It’s full of hard-hitting subjects, alcohol dependency, bullying, discrimination, domestic abuse and references to honour killings, which are portrayed openly, honestly and with precise direction.
Jessica Kaur takes on the lead role of Amber and plays it perfectly, with moments of comedy interspersed seamlessly between the tougher moments. Good, clear relationships between each of the characters are easily shown, which is especially commendable as the remaining cast play numerous roles between them.
Whilst this small cast all have spotless performances, a mention needs to be made to Kiran Raywilliams as David. Making his professional debut in this piece, he clearly has a great future ahead of him in this industry.
Set design by Debbie Duru is simple and effective. We particularly like the use of a skate ramp in the running scenes, incorporating different levels within the scenes. Video design by Daniel Denton is also well used in the performance, helping us to see the pictures that Amber is seeing within her mind and enabling the audience to understand her inner torment and frustrations for ourselves.
It’s a well put together piece, with lots of different aspects alongside the story to keep us engaged and focused on the important message, that it’s never to late to love yourself and others.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin
Run, Rebel plays at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry until 25 March, with further information here.