one4review | On 21, Aug 2022

A one-woman dark comedy brought to us by The Queen of Cups. The play, written and performed by Erin Holland and directed by Grace O’Keefe, draws upon their real-life experiences of teaching and features a school-day-in-the-life of a 26 year old drama teacher in a London sixth form college. As we enter the ‘classroom’, the scene is set as the audience are given an A4 sheet of homework to be completed later. The teacher, Evie, talks us through her to-do list, including looking after a troubled student – Joy, interacting with her various colleagues, dealing with the ‘supreme controller’ and preparing for a parent’s evening. High on her list is BPE (Big Pussy Energy), which helps her to get through the day, particularly when she’s had a big day out the day before. You see Evie has a social life, out of school, which includes attending day raves, drinking Red Stripe, taking drugs and enjoying time with her older boyfriend, Andy, who has just sent her a ‘dick pic’. She tries to balance being a bit naughty in her personal life with doing her best for her students in the classroom. And all of this against the ever-present threat of an Ofsted visit to the school. Erin Holland is captivating throughout and effortlessly plays all of the roles, even having time to feature a song, an ode to Gavin Williamson. Overall, a very enjoyable and entertaining 45 minutes of theatre, in the best traditions of the fringe, and I would highly recommend not playing truant for this one.

****
Reviewed by Howard
Underbelly, Bristo Square – Daisy
14.45 (45mins)
Until 29th August