The Stage

Bully

Published Tuesday 1 May 2007 at 11:10 by Chris High

Brian McCann’s musical drama, adapted from his workshop encouraging awareness of social issues in schools, is powerful stuff.

15-year-old Julia (Ann Marie Davies) has ideas above her station. She wants to go to University, better herself and escape Birkenhead. It is certainly a plan, but one her one-time friend, Katie (Suzanne Collins), does not hold with. When Julia starts going out with Darren (Kris Mochrie) - who Katie has had her eye on for days - things take a turn for the worse and Julia is made an outcast with nobody to turn to.

Collins, Davies and Mochrie are faultless in their roles, segueing into their teenage character parts with ease. Mickey Finn, too, is a joy to watch as he takes on a number of roles, including that of a wizened OAP who wants the kids gone from her doorstep. Yet it is Charlie Griffiths and Richard Pitt, playing Kelly and Smitho respectively, who steal the show by giving performances packed with energy.

Bully is an enjoyable yet thought provoking show that should be taken anywhere and everywhere. The message is clear from the outset defined with a wonderful array of songs adding to the poetic narration of Mark Lacey, but does not really get hammered home until the second half when the recorded accounts of genuine bullying victims are played and it is revealed that all of those speaking have committed suicide. If Bully can prevent just one more child having to suffer, then Brian McCann can be justly proud of his achievement.