Shell connections produces theatre for young people by young people. Fresh faces and contemporary writers are joined together to produce showcases around the UK performed by actors and actresses who set out to carve their hopeful future's. In this instance the play is Samurai by the established Geoffrey Case and directed by Gillian Gourlay & Lisa McIntosh.

Samuari follows Yuki, Jordon Mcpherson, who sets out to save the city of Utagowa from famine. He offers to lend a sword to the starving people that he promises will give them a better life. But once the people get accustomed to their new life, greed takes over, and they no longer wish to hand the sword back to benefit others less fortunate in the North.

Yuki, with the help of the Empress Ciara Wheeler, now has the task of reclaiming the sword. But at what cost?

The entire cast support one another through the performance but Jordon Mcpherson as Yuki and Ciara Wheeler as the Empress appear far more comfortable in the parts than the remaining cast who at times seemed very lost in their complex characters.

The direction of the warriors adds atmosphere and dimension to the performance with their almost symbolic portrayal. But at times this show does become slightly static and repetitive in its nature, you get the impression that it could have been tightened around the edges to improve its impact and enable the story to be more concentrated and easier to follow.

There are a lot of on-stage/off-stage moments from the cast, which only adds confusion and unnecessary muddle to the otherwise rather impressive set.

Overall this is a good piece of theatre with the potential to be even better. Witty lines and strong performances by some talented young performers keep it afloat.

Chatroom is one of the 16 shows produced by Shell Connections that will be showcased around the UK . Shell Connections was established 12yrs ago and aims to provide opportunity's for 11-19yrs olds to work on new plays on stage and behind the scenes.

Chartroom written by Enda Walsh opens with 5 teenagers sitting separately on black chairs. The minimal set only adds to the remote world of Internet chatrooms where people are faceless and free to be whomever they choose at the time. In this case it's a teenage chatroom, and each one of the small cast come with their own set of issues. The actors are bold in portraying their youthful characters and pull it off with integrity. Each member of the cast gel together whilst still managing to be divided and solid in their own personalities.

The pacing is smooth with intervals of music to keep up the beat and just as you think they might not move from their chairs, they come forward with a confidence that makes you wonder whether these actors are actually beyond their years, as they deliver their solid lines with cool conviction.

It begins with them ranting and raving about such thing as Harry Potter and Britney Spears until they begin to explore a slightly darker side of teenage life; suicide. The conversation gets heavy and suddenly William and Eva are trying to convince Jim into killing himself, believing that suicide is the brave and rebellious answer to his angst and will send a statement out to the rest of their peers. Luckily not all of them share the same view and the others fight to save his life.

This is an alive and kicking piece of youth theatre, which addresses modern issues using the power of words. It is an excellent reflection on the crazy world that teenagers are subjected to and proof that Youth Theatre has a place in venues where they can often be excluded.

Review © Holly Graham, June 2005

Review © Rosie Gunn, June 2005

Now in its twelfth year Shell Connections bring together the crème de la crème of Britain 's youth theatres. Tonight saw the culmination of the Scottish and Irish region with Gordonstoun School from Elgin, performing Geoffrey Case's Samurai . A light comic satire set in a fantastical society grown rich, fat and lazy due to the magical samurai sword that grants their every wish, unfortunately there custody of the sword is coming to an end as the sword must be returned to the golden samurai at the end of a full year. Fearing the loss of the sword the towns people look into the future seeing that they will do anything to maintain possession of the sword, release a dictator from captivity, remove their queen from power, even kill.

In a strikingly physical piece of theatre performed with great enthusiasm and no little talent, each member f the cast performed admirably involving themselves completely in the fantastical world they lived in. Bringing this fantast up to date were many references to popular culture, from Star Wars, to Indiana Jones via an excellent impression of Gollum from Lord of the Rings .

Melted together this culminated in a highly enjoyable short play full of titters and chuckles whilst still packing a political punch. Who says never act with children, if they are this good they might never want to act with adults.

Rounding out his years Shell Connections festival are the hosts own youth theatre, LYT, with Enda Walsh's extraordinarily dark Chatroom , set in the world of cyberspace 6 teenagers chat about the usual things, Britney selling out her true fans, JK Rowling and being misunderstood by their parents. But when one reveals their true problems and depression about life the others systematically and sadistically push and prod him towards the solution to all his problems, suicide.

Lyceum youth theatre deliver a hugely impressive production that man professional performers would be proud of. In such a dark and difficult piece each actor excellent themselves with wonderful acting and a very mature performance. This powerful piece of drama has been seen throughout schools in Britain , and has helped to raise awareness of teenage depression, suicide as well as not seeking proper advice. Any play that can do all that whilst still being entertaining is a rare thing in dee d, something that Enda Walsh and all at the Lyceum Youth Theatre should be proud of.

Review © Bryan Johnston, June 2005