Simon Ward reviews Flashbang at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre

The digital programme for writer James Lewis’s new show helpfully defines ‘flashbang’ as follows: ‘a grenade that produces a bright flash and a loud noise so as to stun or disorient people without causing serious injury; a stun grenade.’ Those of a nervous disposition, like me – I still haven’t forgiven Chekhov and his damned pistol – need not worry about sudden loud noises, however. The flashbang here is metaphorical, tossed into the otherwise carefree lives of five twentysomething young men, friends since primary school, just getting on with hanging out and living for the weekend.

We are first introduced to Ryan (Nick Hardie), although as the play progresses, everyone plays Ryan at various points which is occasionally a little confusing. But Ryan finds in his cohort of pals the brothers he never had. Indeed, even those who do have brothers probably form their strongest fraternal bonds within the group. The other members are Jason (Benjamin Booth Bennett), Andy (Matt Wake), Deano (Fred Wardale) and Mikey (Dan Nash). Against a backdrop of school photos the lads recount how they found each other at school and formed a gang, at least until the teacher told them that ‘gang’ was not a nice word. We hear the trials and tribulations of growing up in a middling town, where nothing ever happens – not for nothing are their football shirts proudly emblazoned with ‘Generic FC’. Their trials are relieved by the pleasures drinking and drugs and holidays in Faliraki – it actually sounds like fun, and it is very funny. Meanwhile the childhood bonds develop into firm and committed friendships, harsh banter and slagging notwithstanding.

Throughout all this, we notice that Mikey is missing, although we are not told why or where he might be. Finally he pops up on screen, via text – summoning the gang to his sister’s flat on the 25th floor of a tower block. What unfolds thereafter is the flashbang that will stun the group forever, as real life in its randomness and its bitterness crashes in on their happy-go-lucky world.

The writing feels authentic and true, and the actors are uniformly excellent, under the direction of David Brady. Clever and effective use is made of video and sound as as comment on the action as well as backdrop and setting. There would perhaps have been benefit in spending slightly more time in getting to know the characters before dealing with the aftermath, but that is a relatively minor quibble in a play which takes one from belly laugh to sucker punch without missing a beat. It is a moving and powerful exploration of male friendship.

Flashbang is running until Saturday 9th March 2024 at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre, 42–44 Gaisford Street, Kentish Town, London NW5 2ED