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Run, Rebel review

“Jessica Kaur is effervescent”
Jessica Kaur in Run, Rebel at Mercury Theatre, Colchester. Photo: Pamela Raith
Jessica Kaur in Run, Rebel at Mercury Theatre, Colchester. Photo: Pamela Raith

Empowering show for teenagers with a standout lead performance from Jessica Kaur

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Adapted by Manjeet Mann from her Carnegie Medal-shortlisted young adult novel of the same name, this play, presented by touring company Pilot Theatre, invites us into the life of 15-year-old Amber Rai. Played in Tessa Walker’s resourceful production by Jessica Kaur, Amber is dealing with many of the usual challenges of adolescence. She’s also attempting to endure the domestic tyranny of her father (Pushpinder Chani), and his attempts to curtail her passion for running, which he deems inappropriate for a young Punjabi woman.

This underdog story of a young British-South Asian girl learning to harness her athletic prowess and her own integrity has a touch of Bend It Like Beckham – but it’s quite a bit darker. On one of the most deprived housing estates in Britain, the “windows with Mona Lisa eyes” are always watching; acts of rebellion have to be carefully and courageously organised.

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Kaur is effervescent as Amber, conveying joy in her running and in her friendships with chakra-cleansing Tara (Hannah Millward), and with the very sweet David (Kiran Raywilliams). She reminds us that “we all have our own story to tell” and, in a recurring metatheatrical joke, begs the audience to let her relive her most exultant moments “just once more”, and we’re happy to oblige. Movement director Kuldip Singh-Barmi vividly captures the restlessness of being a teenager and the nervous excitement of the running scenes.  

The concrete slope of Debbie Duru’s set design evokes both a running track and a chilly home life, while video by Daniel Denton features a sinister recurring motif of deadheading roses and brings to life everyday activities. Composer Niraj Chag and sound designer Yvonne Gilbert build up emotional momentum and the invasive thoughts in Amber’s mind that amass until they can longer be contained. Particularly moving is the way in which Amber helps her mother Surinder (Asha Kingsley) take a step towards independence by teaching her to read and write. There are many ways to rebel, and the momentum and perseverance required to reach the finishing line are perhaps the biggest challenge.

Production Details
Production nameRun, Rebel
VenueMercury Theatre
LocationColchester, the touring until March 31
Starts25/02/2023
Ends04/03/2023
Press night04/03/2023
Running time2hrs 10mins
AuthorManjeet Mann
ComposerNiraj Chag
DirectorTessa Walker
Assistant directorNeetu Singh
Movement directorKuldip Singh-Barmi
Set designerDebbie Duru
Costume designerDebbie Duru
Lighting designerBen Cowens
Sound designerYvonne Gilbert
Video/projection designerDaniel Denton
Cast includesAsha Kingsley, Hannah Millward, Pushpinder Chani, Jessica Kaur, Simran Kular, Kiran Raywilliams
Production managerEmily Walls, Luke James, Richard Parr
Company stage managerRebecca Samuels
Deputy stage managerJeanette Maggs
Assistant stage managerLizzie Hayward
ProducerBelgrade Theatre Coventry, Derby Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Pilot Theatre, York Theatre Royal
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