Finborough Theatre
29 October -22 November 2008

Another day, another gritty urban drama. Liverpool low life: teenage wasters, teenage druggies, teenage parents weve been this way a thousand times. The Finborough stage hosts a dingy living-room design thats as familiar as the set-up, so we strap ourselves in for a brain-battering night of social hectoring. Thats what were conditioned to expect; which is why the real shock of Dameon Garnetts Follow is just how entertaining it.

The author of the award-winning Break Away tells a cracking tale in this well-trodden landscape. Reece (Oliver Gilbert) is a shady youth who has fled from Portsmouth to Liverpool and befriended Blake (Adam Redmore), a loser with no prospects and a baby on his hands. Reece indulges in some shady business that brings danger to both boys, with a happy outcome far from certain despite the steadying influence of Blakes widowed father, Gary (a sympathetic performance by Paul Regan).

The bare thread of the story three lonely people in search of sanctuary and security  may lack originality, but Garnetts writing has an irresistible momentum that ensures we care deeply what befalls this trio. The presence of a fourth character, Blakes imperilled infant son Nathan, only adds to our concern. (Nathan is played by a doll of such extraordinary realism that our suspension of disbelief is never challenged. His creator, Nikki Thompson, has set a high bar for the future of stage babies.)

The complexity of adolescent angst is beautifully rendered by the two younger actors, although they both struggle to tame Garnetts over-written dialogue. No teenage grunters, these: their articulate way with an abstract concept is at odds with the picture of lost souls trapped by their own inadequacy. Oliver Gilbert has the tougher job because Reece is far more eloquent than he has a right to be. As Blake, Adam Redmores expressive face and slovenly body are closer to the mark.

Ken Alexander directs with verve and brio. The Finborough stage is tiny and cluttered in Georgia Lowes naturalistic design, yet the actors inhabit it with great physicality. There is a priceless moment in the opening scene where Reece sprawls on the floor while Blake slumps over the settee at an improbable angle, stretching and scratching. Huh  teenagers. Did I mention how funny this play is, or how uplifting? There are nuggets of pure gold amid Follows northern grit.

- Mark Valencia