Set in a south London community, One Way Out follows four sixth formers on the brink of adulthood struggling to figure out their place in the world. One night at youth club, the Jamaican-born Devonte decides to apply for university, but his application sets off a chain of events that could see him deported to a country he barely remembers.

One Way Out is a heartfelt play exploring friendship, solidarity and the human cost of hostile immigration policies. Each of the quartet played their parts with conviction, but it was Shem Hamilton who really shone. He brought a certain vulnerability and childlike innocence to the role of Devonte, which proved to be the show’s emotional core.

The one area in which One Way Out struggled was its pacing. New plotlines are introduced and dubiously resolved in the third act, and it has enough endings to rival TheReturn Of The King. The emotional impact might have been more intense had its script been better streamlined. Despite this, the earnest delivery and passionate outrage at the injustice of Windrush is enough to keep an audience engaged. 

One Way Out, Underbelly Cowgate, until 27 August, 6.45pm.