Tron Theatre, Glasgow, then touring

NEW WORK

A report from the National Consumer Council warned that by the age of ten, many children have become brand aware shoppers and labels can become a dangerous obsession.

Birds of Paradise’s latest production examines this phenomenon basing their latest play on the Spider Girls, a group of teenage Chilean burglars who climbed tall apartment buildings robbing people to feed their addiction to designer labels. Transposing the action to Scotland, Kathy McKean’s script intercuts scenes from the robberies with courtroom interviews exposing the girls’ true personalities and feelings in retrospect.

It explores the effect of consumerism on our modern youth culture from the girls’ point of view; examining their need for labels, the intricacies of friendship and the confusion of being young. This modern piece combines pop music, movement and sharp dialogue to create a visually exciting performance. Unfortunately, the script is rather weak at points and the action is often repetitive. However, the striking visual sequences as the girls scale Claire Halleran’s jagged set, aided by Matt Foster’s concise choreography and the strong performances, make this piece enjoyable to watch, reminding you never to underestimate the power of the brand.