The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return | Southwark Playhouse Borough

Ever wondered what it’s like to revisit a house party that you went to at 16? Then The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return is the play for you. Set in the heart of Luton, the play follows two 16 year old best friends, our unnamed protagonist (voice) played by Nathaniel Christian and Lewis played by Elan Butler as they spend their Saturday night doing what any other 16 year old would do, by going to a house party. Masked in comedy, it tackles topics such as class, identity and gangs, while also showcasing the important moments in a 16 year old's life like experiencing crush or going to college. 

Writer Sam Edmunds perfectly puts the audience in the mind of a teenager, from the use of pop culture references such as Nike shoes and the hold they have on teens, to the slang used by the characters and how trivial experiences such as a crush are a massive deal, or how asking someone to buy a bottle of vodka can feel like anxiety personified. 

At first glance the set seems plain, a simple brick wall, but Rob Miles has created a dynamic moving set that gives the cast room to play. It can become a shop, a bedroom or a house ready to be filled with music and party people. It allows for pieces to be pulled out to create mini rooms and for doors to be opened allowing the actors to be out of the audiences eyesight. 

Throughout the performance the audience are heavily involved, being spoken to directly or commented on, which can lead to some hilariously improvised moments when audiences are willing to participate and join the fun. 

Christian takes the unnamed lead role, showing off his acting brilliance. He commands the stage during intense wordy moments that leave the audience on the edge of their seats, as he delivers heart-pounding monologues and simultaneously has everyone in stitches at his character's attempts to flirt with his crush. 

Butler has patrons cracking up at the delivery of his quips and jokes, having a lot of memorable lines and moments. He takes the task of not only playing Lewis but a handful of other characters too, creating distinct differences for each. His talent shines through in keeping the atmosphere light and funny. 

Rounding out the cast is Leanne Henlon who plays Lakesha, along with a plethora of other characters. She helps create pivotal moments of the show and has comedic chemistry with our protagonist, they interact with the audience bringing them into the scene, making it feel like the patrons are part of the house party.

The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return is a guarantee for a good night out, with endless laughs, a 90s soundtrack characters the audience grows quickly fond of. 

The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return plays at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 27th September 2025.

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★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Harry Elletson