Bernadette and Other Teenage Folk Tales
Who would be a teenager again and as adults are we actually really listening to young people and what they really need? – Review by Mel Osborne
Restoke – who are based at Fenton Town Hall – exploring just that with the one-hour long play “Bernadette and other teenage folk tales.”
Written by Florence Espeut-Nickles and co-created by Power Project Company, this show is a trilogy of tales exploring the dark side of adolescence and the tales we tell to survive the enormous task of growing up. It is an immersive theatre experience combining spoken word, live music and movement.
The ensemble are aged between 11-17, and the talent in the group is immense. From musicians to actors to dancers they tell the stories of their youth in an engaging and mesmerising way.
This is no amateur production. This is pure talent.
(Images by Jenny Harper)
The show starts off with the story of Bernadette, a misunderstood teen whose dreams are shattered by her parents. We then move back in history to a time where teens were working in the smashing rooms in the potteries where nameless children were left to smash pottery that wasn’t good enough.
Fast forward to the future and beyond, we meet Marshall who is trying his best to fit into life as he turns 17, but the new technological take over is leaving him redundant and in despair.
These stories are so powerful and thought provoking, leaving food for thought about the battles young people have growing up. It certainly encourages reflection on our own personal battles as we tried to make sense of the world.
Restoke have produced a credible piece of work which will go to into the Stoke memorabilia of amazing pieces. Hopefully the cast will have positive memories of being part of something very special. There is one thing Stoke does very well, and it is nurturing young performers – there is a lot of talent in this city.
This is a highly commendable performance full of magic and intrigue. The effects and scenery were beautiful, and it was a delightful show from start to finish.
5 stars
(Bernadette and Other Teenage Folk Tales ran from 20-23 March 2025)
