First Words, Octagon Theatre

First Words puts the lives of three figures in the spotlight, each prompting smiles, then shocking dismay at the challenging tales which expose the trials of their troubled minds and broken homes.

The three singular performances depict the unique difficulties of characters that seem so simple, but whose monologues turn them inside out and uncover deep complications.

The first, Blue (directed by Elizabeth Newman, written by Charlotte Josephine) exposes the adolescent angst of Amber (Jessica Baglow), the fatherless ‘new girl’ who turns to the ‘blue’ to take away her troubles at home and school.

Delving into the dark, she is cast a victim to alcoholism and anorexia, depicting in her solitude the internal pain of sexual awakening and social alienation.

Baglow’s explosive performance uncovers the colour and aggression of Amber’s tough youth, as her search for something she does not yet know heightens the risk of blue turning to black.

Nobody Can Never Get Us Back (directed by Ben Occhipinti, written by Shauna Mackay) unveils the vibrant personality of Yolanda Black (Tupele Dorgu), the 39-year old Boltonian left mothering her two teenage daughters without the help of estranged husband Jackie.

Yolanda recalls the night she was raped by an intruder, as she struggles to comprehend her world since the traumatic incident.

Dorgu channels the energy of Yolanda, a character broken by the experience, as she hurls the narrative around the intimate studio theatre from the confines of a wooden chair.

Tale after tale envelops the audience in a truth distorted. They are solely reliant on one perspective, hooked and dragged deep into the mind of the speaker.

The final monologue, Being Amazing (directed by Ben Occhipinti, written by Ian Townsend) is a quirky, yet heartfelt insight into the mind and world of 17-year old, Leon (Michael Peavoy) a struggling college student, determined to make his day amazing, but held back by his mother’s battle with mental health.

Audience members hang on his every word, intrigued by his simplicity, yet troubled by his complexity. Peavoy sets us permanently on the edge of laughter and tears, not knowing whether to dwell on Leon’s misfortunes, or lap up his comedic liveliness.

First Words is at Octagon Theatre, Bolton from June 30 – July 8

Tickets £12 (concession available)

Age Guide: 14+