ANY play that begins with Bjork (Play Dead) is off to a good start in our book.

It was just one of many highlights in this Harlow Playhouse Summer School in partnership with Livewire.

This was such a well produced and performed production. The key thing with productions overseen by Sam Ashford is that they aim to bring out the best out of each and every artist. From the bassist at the back to the dancer at the front.

We began with dancers in the Bjork sequence and each and everyone was on point and outstanding. They acted as a balletic greek chorus and were so dynamic.

At the heart of the performance is a play, set in three eras, on life at university. It is hard hitting and it is very well acted. Each actor carved out a very distinctive personality. Rebecca Fox is a superb singer. Jorens Rakiss’ Gary was quite an extrovert and yet he was wonderfully restrained and empathetic in the police station scene. Hollie Battlelley as Zoe, again played it straight and yet less was more and you really felt for her character, She was ably assisted by Korban Doyle, James Heinz and Sid Cody.

Amy Harvie, Willow Druce and Millie Thompson worked as a team in the eighties section to bring the subject of coercive and controlling behaviour to the forefront. As always, Leo Shepherd was such an dependable anchor in a performance like this.

However, even at this young age, they have learned the skill and discipline of working as an ensemble, working as a team.

The band at the back produced a great soundtrack. At times it felt like an urban dub sound and at other times, someone was doing a very good Dave Gilmour.

There were also outstanding backing singers, who, like the dancers, really enhanced the narrative. Two in particular stepped out into the front to outstanding effect.

We have to remember that this was performing on the main stage. It is one thing on the school stage and up on theatre two but another on a main stage and all that peripheral stuff that can un-nerve a lot of performers.

As we said, there were a lot of adult themes but they were treated in such a mature manner. The question of what a woman was wearing when she was attacked is still as relevant today as it was in 1997.

Also subjects such as foster care, alcoholism and politics were all discussed without hitting you over the head.

There was also great use of the stage (and video screen). Every inch was used and every performer got a chance to shine.

The audience was clearly impressed as they gave a standing ovation as the show came to a close.

Afterwards, new Harlow MP Chris Vince was invited on to the stage and he praised each and every person involved in the production. Mr Vince said: “This is why I am so proud of Harlow”.

It is still remarkable that this was devised in just over a week. Every single person should be proud of their achievements.

This review has just returned from his annual stint at the Edinburgh Festival. He was judging Play Dead as he did some of the award winning plays he saw there.

It shows that once again the Harlow arts scene is in good health. At the end of the play, Sam Ashford gave thanks to the National Lottery for their support.

Play Dead proved that youth theatre is very much alive in Harlow.

Review Rating: Five Stars *****