The insecurities of adolescence have been made easier on recent generations due to the superb writings of Sue Townsend. The precocious daily ramblings of Adrian Mole (aged 13 34) brought some sense to the heady times of puberty and brought relief and mirth to teenagers everywhere. Now the delightful insights of a teenage boy have come to the stage, thanks to a colourful adaptation by Leicestershire Youth Arts.
Focusing mainly on the ups and downs of Mole’s relationships, this version unfortuantely skirts round the more humourous parts of the text in favour of the clearest storyline. While there are whispers of the sexual awakenings, insecurities and the hilarity of Bert Baxter, the best parts are left by the wayside.
The clever mix of dialogue, narration and song really brings across the confusion of youth. Some of the performances are a little lacking in the delivery, especially in the musical numbers, but the overall effect is good. The mediocrity of life in Eighties suburbia is brought across with an electric clarity by wonderful portrayal of George and Pauline Mole.
Not quite up to the normal standards of LYA, but good fun all the same.
3/5
Richard Biggs
