WHORE: A Kids Play - August 2017 - Theatre Director Kevin Michael Reed

Greenside @ Infirmary Street, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Presented by Squire Lane Theatrical (UK) Ltd.
Written by Reese Thompson
Directed by Margaret Grace Hee

Starring Joy Donze, Erin Margaret Pettigrew & Matthew Bovee. Understudy: Benjamin Rowan. Original Music by Matt Katz-Bohen. Costume Design by Anthony Hagan. Choreographer Benjamin Paul Rowan. Lighting Design by Kevin Michael Reed. Stage Manager Ange Lopilato. Produced by Kevin Michael Reed. Associate Producer Uju Enendu. Publicist Chris Hislop.

Set against a backdrop of small-town gossip amplified by social media, limitless shame, and the hell-fire of the confession booth, WHORE: A Kid’s Play is a darkly funny account of the pressures to be both normal and exceptional in a world hostile to misfit girls and queer boys, when nothing is quite so momentous as friendship, nor so utterly monstrous as ourselves.

Jenn, 13, wants two things from God: 1) to be pretty, and 2) for Andrea to be her best friend. Jenn’s arch-nemesis, Patrick, dutifully preps for the Junior Regional Spelling Bee – though what he really wants is to dance. Meanwhile, Andrea, also 13, just wants someone to tell her if she’s still a virgin after those awkward encounters with Jenn’s douchey stepbrother over summer break.

Making their way through an obstacle course of double-standards, internalized sexism, and impossible beauty regimes, the three discover that what they need in life is an accomplice.

TRAILER

REVIEWS

★★★★

BROADWAY BABY

★★★★

EVERYTHING THEATRE

★★★

THE SCOTSMAN

“Reese (Thompson) is a truly original new voice in the theatre — exploring areas no one else is, saying things no one else would, and finding both humor and meaning in the madness of contemporary life. To be so unique in outlook and talented in execution is beyond rare in emerging artists. His work speaks to our moment with deep wit and insight, and is always a theatrical delight.” Christopher Shinn (author Four, Dying City, and Teddy Ferrara)

“This is where the Fringe excels – drama that treats orthodox subjects in an unorthodox manner. Shining a spotlight on the whole sexualisation of parenthood and child rearing with the view of the young people beginning to find themselves is hardly new but here playwright Reese Thompson manages to delve deep into the effects that liberation may have on our relationships and our young people. This works well because of that and we get to see many perspectives from a disunited group of young people whose confusion along gender lines leads to missing one of the most important empathetic lessons of all – that quietness nor bolshiness is not confidence.” Donald Stewart, FringeReview

“Absent parents, social pressures and revenge porn all play a part in this interesting think piece. The story is littered with fantastic movement. The text is both vulgar and childish, provoking one to pay heed to the power of words. As characters, both Jen and Angie are beautifully flawed and the journey they go on throughout the play is completely unpredictable. It is so refreshing to watch a female character written this way. Whore: A Kid’s Play is a must see… Reese Thompson must be applauded for this fantastic piece of work.” Disa Andersen, Broadway Baby

“Flamboyant, blasphemous and exhilarating, Whore: A Kid’s Play is an unfiltered account of teenage wisdom, big hopes and ultimate parental failures. Expect c-bombs and much more in this raucous, witty and unconventional moral lesson from American playwright Reese Thompson.” Marianna Meloni, Everything Theatre

“With such a massively provocative title and a publicity drive that must be the envy of many, this promises a great deal. It manages to deliver. This is where the Fringe excels – drama that treats orthodox subjects in an unorthodox manner. Shining a spotlight on the whole sexualisation of parenthood and child rearing with the view of the young people beginning to find themselves is hardly new but here playwright Reese Thompson manages to delve deep into the effects that liberation may have on our relationships and our young people.” Donald Stewart, FringeReview

“a little like being battered over the head by a thousand phallic fizzy pops” Steven Vickers, MumbleTheatre.net

AUDIENCE REVIEWS

“Three wonderfully matched performers take you back to an age you really don’t want to go back to, but it is an exceptional & most enjoyable romp.” Tom Staveley (via EdFringe.com Audience Reviews)

“What a throwback to being a teenager and all that angst! An incredibly talented trio of performers rock out to the soundtrack of my teenage years and tell a story full of heart, heartbreak, laughs, and tears. It’s a perfect rollercoaster.” Emilie D. (via EdFringe.com Audience Reviews)