THIRTY one years ago, Steven Berkoff’s play East shocked audiences with its use of so-called obscene language, and its depiction and description of sexual acts and violence.
Today none of the impact of Berkoff’s play has diminished. We may be more used to the ‘c’ and ‘f’ words, but nothing can prepare us for the way Berkoff combines this language with Shakespearean English.
It would be an exaggeration to say that he punches and kisses us at the same time, but this will give you a feel of what to expect in this new production of East, showing until May 21st at Eighty-Eight London Road.
This production of East features a cast of five actors who each give stellar performances: Tegen Hitchens as the sassy girlfriend, Karl Kennedy-Williams and Jake Ferretti as the two randy and violent East End boys, Lloyd Ryan-Thomas as long-suffering mum and Matthew Devitt as bigoted dad.
This is a West End production at its most professional, but in one of Brighton’s funkiest venues.
Philip Carr-Gomm
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