Make Me Feel production image. Photo by Harry Elleston.Movement director Mateus Daniel will have had his work cut out mobilising and shepherding the 17-strong cast of players, who in a multitude of configurations present a sequence of short, punchy and illuminating vignettes. These episodic snap-shots bring to life a group of friends, two of whom are on the cusp of marrying whilst still learning about the pressures of adult life.
Jamie (Joshua Aketse-Entsie) and Ruby (Dejuan Desiree) have found each other, complete each other and have set the date. At her place of work Ruby has caught the eye of a fellow office worker and doesn’t seem especially bothered by the overt attention she is being paid. She is however, irritated by the constant warnings and upbraiding she receives from her close friend who only seems content when organising everyone else’s life. For his part, Jamie seems a genuinely nice guy, but less capable when it comes to getting things done. His perpetually easy-going nature seems at odds with a man charged with confirming the catering arrangements and booking flights for the honeymoon destination. As frustrations lead to arguments and stand-offs, Jamie becomes more withdrawn around friends who believe his lack of sociability can be remedied with another pint. When a skin rash manifests, his doctor prescribes tablets but appears unwilling or too busy to discuss the possibility that stress and anxiety may be the underlying cause. In the run up to their big day, stag and hen do’s reveal further clashes among the close-knit group, threatening to upend proceedings.
First and foremost the piece is designed and written specifically for the group of young performers. It is by necessity and intention, an inclusive device. As a consequence some scenes appear to have only a tentative connection to the central narrative, but each thread eventually finds its place and reason for being, as it is woven into the whole.
As with any company, there were stand-out moments and the delivery of some excellently pitched lines which especially resonated with the largely young and receptive audience. That said, this was not Eastenders, nor were the scenes being played in a TV studio with mic booms picking-up every word, so speed and clarity of delivery were occasionally an issue — something, about which, every performer gradually becomes more cognisant and able to master, as they fine-tune and develop their stagecraft and talents.
The company of performers include:
Hadsan Mohamed as Aisha
James Douglas-Quarcoopome as Ben
Emmanuel Oduja as Chris
Rohan Rakhit as Dhillon
Daud Xiddig as Elias
Yemi Yohannes as Freya
Tyler-Jacob Thomas Akinjirin as Kay
Bea Collett Bell as Lauren
Josie Dixey Watson as Mags
Natalia Choudhary as Maria
Zamir Mesiti as Mustafa
Janet Osigbesan as Nicole
Alfie O’Sullivan-Neill as Seb
Johan Amatsakio as Teun
& Tabitha Ogilvie as Viv.
Make Me Feel plays at Bush Theatre until 23 August.
