Liverpool Sound & Vision Rating: * * * *

Cast: Connor Lee Dye, Matilda Weaver, Michael Bryan, Sophie Cottle, Chris Mohan, Fia Harrington, Emily Kingston, Joseph Wood, Maisie Young, James Botterill, Anna Brochmann, Hailey Mashburn.

Performed by third-year L.I.P.A. acting students, Luke Barnes’ epic new play, Who’s Afraid Of The Working Class?, looks at the brief history of one fictional community, whose people are trying to keep their heads above water whilst all around them their jobs are being removed alongside the industry and the unions. Unity one is completely opened up for this production and all actors remain on stage throughout, completing costume changes and constructing the set for scene changes themselves.

John and Evelyn are the two main voices that tell this tale played by Connor Lee Dye and Matilda Weaver. Mr. Dye’s performance is strong as his character evolves from a confident young man to a father and husband who strives to do the very best for his family and alongside Evelyn, who is a gentler more calming presence played charmingly by Ms. Weaver; these two actors work well together and share some very poignant scenes within the play.

There is lots of movement that break up the narrative, as the story moves from the 1940’s through to the 80s and 90s and music is used to mark the passing of these eras. There are some very stylised pieces in this show that is choreographed very nicely by Sophie Cottle and also incorporated into these snippets of movement is the set itself. Jasmine Swan has done a fine job in filling Unity One with her imaginative lockers, painted red and blue and which are used for storing props as well as being used as sailing boats and stairs.

Although there does appear to be a lot on stage, the chorography is so tight and the cast are so well rehearsed, everything fits into place and works agreeably. This is a strong ensemble that has produced a very tight, fast placed and original piece of work.

Janie Phillips