Playfight | Soho Theatre

Playfight is a seventy minute exploration into the complexities of teenage female friendships, how they shift and alter as you travel into your twenties and what nostalgia it can leave behind. Written by emerging playwright Julia Grogan, we follow the story of three young women as they meet at the roots of ‘Tree’ amd navigate those crucial years full of uncertainty.

Grogan’s writing is fiery and has great comedic moments, allowing the actors to bounce off each other's delivery well, but sometimes to the demise of the authenticity of the narrative. It was hard to believe fifteen year olds would use some of the language and contemporary references used, given the pre-set music and props such as the IPhone 5C completely setting a sense of 2010’s nostalgia that I feel we never reached. However, it is undeniable that Grogan is a gifted writer with beautiful moments found especially in the later scenes.

The three lead actors truly deliver in their roles bringing a beautiful level of commitment in each scene. Sophie Cox is instantly lovable as the firm but fair Keira, she’s intense and splashes her opinions around as if she knows the world already. Her energy is well placed but perhaps one noted and could have more of a change as we see the years pass. Lucy Mangan shines as the innocent yet secretive Lucy, struggling with her Christian outlook on her teenage life. Mangan grasps that uncertainty and need to control or understand the world with great sincerity. Nina Cassells as the beautiful, intelligent Zainab seems like the rock of the friendship group, but cracks start to show as we learn she is coming to terms with her sexuality, especially as feelings are forming for Lucy. It’s a strong performance with the vulnerable moments from Cassells landing well. These three actors are clearly committed and their talent allows the play to reach moments where the audience were clearly alive and engaged with them.

The pink ladder acting as ‘Tree’ was a powerful nod to girlhood and stood well as the centerpiece in Hazel Low’s set design. It blended well and worked in harmony with Emma Callander’s direction as the three actors climbed, leaned and lay at different points and levels on the stage. It worked beautifully and made for a poignant ending in the final moments.

Overall, Playfight would benefit from being a longer play. Seventy minutes is simply too short of a time to tie up the loose ends and questions asked from the multiple themes and moments it offers. The success of this production at the fringe is undeniable and understandable with the performances seen and the overall strength of the piece, but unfortunately falls a little flat here given lack of clarity and message.

Playfight runs at Soho Theatre until 26th April 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★☆☆ (3*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Paul Blakemore