Drama Girls at theSpace offers an often amusing yet quietly cutting insight into the intense, competitive world of drama school. Set in the students’ final year, we follow Lisa, Danielle, and Jennifer as they bicker, stress, and claw their way toward the all-important end-of-year showcase – the supposed golden ticket to a career-making role.

Tilly Woof, who both wrote the piece and plays Lisa, captures the mix of camaraderie and rivalry that thrives in such an environment. The friendship between the three is genuine and warm, but constantly tested by the pressures of perfectionism, limited opportunities, and the nagging fear of failure. The play’s structure cleverly mirrors the highs and lows of training, with moments of laughter giving way to palpable tension.

A particularly effective device is the omnipresent voiceover of the unseen tutor, barking orders and corrections with military precision. Praise is rare; criticism is constant. This disembodied authority figure embodies the relentless pressure to improve, while also hinting at the emotional toll exacted by such demands.

Performances are spirited and well-defined, with each actor giving their character distinct quirks and vulnerabilities. Woof’s writing balances comedy and pathos, allowing the audience to both laugh at the absurdities of drama school life and feel for the young women enduring its strains.

The audience’s warm reception suggests the show’s relatability – whether one has trained in the arts or simply navigated a high-pressure environment. Drama Girls is a sharp, funny, and sympathetic portrayal of the grit behind the glamour, and a promising debut for Woof as both writer and performer.

****

Reviewed by Rona