Junk
Big Spirit Theatre
Greyfriars Kirk House @ 13:50, Aug 15-20, £6.00 (£5.00)
***
A satisfactory stage adaptation of Melvin Burgess’ controversial teen novel. Junk is the story of Tar and Gemma, two teen runaways, and their descent into heroin addiction, theft and prostitution – just what you need around about lunchtime.

Surprisingly funny, as having read the book I expected something quite hard-hitting. Predictably as a youth theatre company production the show had several choreographed pretentious dance pieces which although well executed detracted somewhat from the gritty social-realism of the story, which is what gave the novel its edge in the first place.

Although extremely well acted, the characters actions often strayed into contrived, stereotypical depictions of junkies. Nevertheless, the fantastic chemistry between the two leads seemed like genuine teenage lust, (and maybe it was) and lifted the show a cut above the average youth theatre romp.

by Johanna Robertson