Make Me Feel by Will Jackson – ★★★★☆
The 18-25 Bush Young Company’s final performance of this cohort was a roaring success with direction by Katie Greenall, writing by Will Jackson, movement direction by Mateus Daniel, composition by Xana, and lighting by Joshie Harriette. MAKE ME FEEL explores the confusion and fear of living in a modern society where we’re often encouraged to share when we’re struggling with our mental health, but rarely taught how to share. It captures the spirited and messy essence of young adult life, from the mundane to the milestone moments, delving into the struggles with finances, fiancés and friends, and the complex heartfelt relationships we share with everyone from siblings to soul-sisters.
At the centre of the theatre-in-the-round performance space stands a house-like structure constructed from metal scaffolding poles. As we enter the auditorium there is an energetic playlist of the best modern British artists that set the mood for a soulful, summer evening. Warm-toned waves of red, fuschia and orange lights wash over the stage, setting the ambience for the lively yet surprisingly profound time ahead.
The main plot follows two characters Jamie (Joshua Aketse-Entsie) and Ruby (Dejuan Desiree) who are the first in their friendship group to embark on married life. There’s only two months until they say “I do” but the wedding to-do list seems endless. Jamie is becoming increasingly forgetful and distant, and Ruby reacts by walking the thin and dangerous line of receiving attention from another colleague.
The play has numerous subplots that dip in and out of their friends' lives and touch on the realities of developing romantic feelings, situational anxiety and depression, housing issues, unemployment struggles, and the mixed feelings of unity and fear that arises when preparing and demonstrating at a protest. There’s a balanced blend between the emotionally charged, sobering scenes, and the well-executed moments of comic relief.
One particular standout moment was the scene where there is a striking comparison of how women and men tend to communicate online. There was a detailed, drawn out, and intensely involved girls’ group chat scene that meticulously planned Ruby’s hen do with deposit breakdowns and messages of affirmation and support, versus the guys’ group chat that was filled with straightforward thumbs ups and “see you there” messages after a short and casual plan for the stag do.
Despite there being a few hiccups along the way, Jamie and Ruby’s wedding took place in the last scene. It was during this scene that the power of love and care was solidified by Aketse-Entsie and Desiree’s acting. It was a reminder that at the heart of successful relationships lies dedication and the decision to choose each other every day going forward. Ending the play on a sweet and honourable note with a celebratory wedding reception dance by the full cast was the final touch to a wonderful evening.
Often youth theatre productions can feel endearing yet unpolished, but not this production. MAKE ME FEEL surpassed expectations of youth theatre seen elsewhere. Performed in the round, the piece created an atmosphere of shared energy where audience members felt both entertained and challenged. What stood out most was the cast’s unwavering commitment. Every performer brought vitality and care to the stage, which was undoubtedly a response to the support of the wider creative team.
MAKE ME FEEL set a new standard of professionalism, heart and impact of the ongoing conversations around mental health that will be hard to beat. I strongly encourage keeping an eye on the Bush Young Company’s future productions, as I’m confident in their ability to continually raise the stakes.
★★★★☆
By Nadia Mantock