Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7/10

Cast: Michael Lattin-Rawstrone, Rebecca Rogers, Simone Lewis.

It is sometimes overlooked that people under the age of 16 have opinions, their beliefs and thoughts are quite often more insightful that those in their 40’s, what they lack is just someone to listen carefully, the result, if heeded, could be surprising.

Action Transport Theatre revel in this approach and in Statik, the theatre group’s premise holds fast and makes the most of their interaction and questioning of the younger section of society on certain aspects of life. It is an approach that brings fascinating results and for that alone Action Transport Theatre should be applauded.

Originally titled From the Mouth of Babes, the humour and knowledge that comes from out of the mouths of children was captured by the Director, Nina Hajiyianni, in a way that was well performed and had some great moments of pure comedy woven into it. It was these moments that appealed greatly to the audience which was made up of all ages, from the adults revelling in the wonderful innocence of the action to small children taken in by the pleasure of performance, of being taken on a journey which also had some dark overtones stitched into it’s fabric.

The interaction between the three performers was paramount and their timing for each set up was captured just right. Watching three actors enjoying the innocence that comes with a script that is inspired by conversations with the young is heart warming and whilst there were a few sections that went slightly awry, the overall charm of Statik made the hour inside the Unity fly past with the grace and ease of an eagle scanning the floor below but safe in the knowledge that it is appreciated for what it represents.

The static on the radio comes through; the messages occasionally heard by the adults filter through and give them a reason to understand what it means to listen to wise words from an unlikely source.  

Ian D. Hall