Liverpool Sound & Vision Rating: * * * *

Cast: Billy Czajkowska, Isobel Balchin, Abigail McKenzie, Nuala Maguire, Alice Corrigan, Ian Cook.

Bryony Lavery’s play More Light tells the story of the recently deceased Chinese Emperor who, in order to keep the location of his tomb a secret had not only himself encased within the tomb but his entire army of craftsmen, builders and his finest courtiers. Also immured are his five young infertile wives. These women have had the best food and lived secure and luxurious lives, but now they are faced with making the most horrendous decisions in order to stay alive. Human behaviour pushed to the very limits are explored in this dramatic hour long performance directed and performed by YEP (Young Everyman Playhouse.)

Ellie Hurt directs and has chosen a most interesting piece in writer Bryony Lavery’s play as she often writes strong female characters. This piece has been adapted from the original play and Hurt has scaled down the sixteen original characters and focused on just six. Billy Czajkowska plays More Light and is the voice for the other women who look up to her for guidance with her confidence and reassurance that what must be done has to be done.

There is no set and minimal props but Hurt has choreographed her actors beautifully. The story is told through bodies, shaped and kept moving throughout to create some lovely moments. These characters really stand alone through Alice Corrigan’s shy Playful Kitten to Nuala Maguire’s passionate and fierce Love Mouth. Isobel Balchin’s character, Many Treasures, is charming alongside Abigail McKenzie’s Pure Joy, who is the most sensitive. There are dark moments in this play, but now and again, Lavery will throw in a line that brings the audience back in again. This is a good production with a talented cast and with the continuing support that YEP provides is an excellent platform for new talent.

Janie Phillips