Before It Starts was a brutal and unforgiving take on teenage life, sex, social media and friendships. Written as an educational show, there was ‘no compromise with audience comfort zones’. Put simply, if you are squeamish about staring the hard truth of teenage homophobia in the eye and laughing lavishly in its face, then this wasn’t the show for you. Written and performed by a predominantly gay cast, the piece was brazen, witty and unapologetic. Teenagers can be cruel and ruthless and Naked Frank Theatre bravely went where others had never dared to go before.
Growing up is hard and when a new girl starts school and reveals her controversial sexuality her friends have a lot to laugh about. But when the jokes turn sour and the playful banter becomes bullying the group realise they have a lot to be sorry for. Based on true events and real life stories; Naked Frank Theatre combine written accounts and verbatim text to tell a cold story about homophobia in schools in an outlandish, controversial and hilarious manner. Unlike other conventional homophobia stories that pity the victim, Before It Starts approaches this story from the bully’s point of view, making them likeable, funny, charismatic and oblivious of their own actions. So sit back, relax and get ready for the rawest, funniest and most offensive ride of your life. It’s playful, it’s honest, it’s daring, it’s an education for all! Oh, and remember, it’s based on true events and real life accounts. Yes, people actually said these things. Teenagers can be shockingly funny! REVIEWS & PRESS
★★★★★ A hard-hitting, provocative and excoriating drama. Peter Yates, London Theatre 1, 2018 Click here to read the full review ★★★★★ Everything is in place: enthusiasm, integrity, uncompromising message: the result is a highly effective piece of theatre. Peter Yates, London Theatre 1, 2016 Click here to read the full review |
CREATIVE TEAM
CAST Carleigh-Ann Portelli Claire Louise Portelli Rebecca Briley WRITER Carleigh-Ann Portelli LIGHTING TECHNICIAN Thomas Cheeseman SOUND TECHNICIAN Thomas Cheeseman MUSIC A Himitsu Bensound DJInterstar Ross Bugden NeLaS Sirius Beat Silent Partner Sava Marinkovic Dennis Pettard PRODUCER Naked Frank Theatre SPECIAL THANKS TO Lisa Briley Andy Hardaker Sherrie Hardaker Laura Holland Dennis Pettard Silvie Pettard Stacey Pettard Joe Portelli Michelle Portelli Neville Portelli Sue Simpson Vincent Vernez Sherrie's Dancewear Miskin Theatre VENUES (2016) Camden People's Theatre The Maud VENUES (2018) Bread & Roses Theatre Etcetera Theatre Blue Elephant Theatre |