The main themes of Lord of the Flies (as laid out by Wikipedia) are morality, leadership and the tension between civility and chaos. What happens when you explore these topics through the lens of a group of sexually repressed Scottish rugby boys ? Well let’s just say it’s something you’ve got to see for yourself.
Although a little kitsch in places ( I did roll my eyes when the vape was pulled out),Lads of the Flies is hilarious. Light hearted taunting of lads culture builds through the play as the four boys, played by women, find themselves stranded on their Duke of Edinburgh(DofE) expedition in the Scottish Highlands, in the liminal environment of the woods with the already established rule of “what happens on DofE stays on DofE,” the characters not so tenderly explore sexuality and what the term ‘gay’ means in their world. You will find yourself chuckling at the expose of their innocence; “I used to date a girl who was bi-curious and that is about as gay as you can get without being gay.”
From Glasgow’s student theatre company Stag (Student Theatre At Glasgow) writer Grace Donaldson attempts to expose the expectations behind the masculinity enforced on the boys through satirical comedy; “it’s all a big performance for you isn’t it, being a man.” Yet there were moments where I wished the sincerity could have been pushed a little further and we could have been allowed to see more of the societal pressure the boys found themselves under.
However, The references throughout the play are well placed and effective; from Taylor Swift, Heartstopper to Andrew Tate and Succession. The writing is certainly not short of quick wit.
The production uses a simple in the round theatre space strewn with all too familiar looking pieces of DofE equipment and a rather fabulous leopard print tent which will be put to good use in scenes to come. The tech grounds the characters in the space with a particularly great disco moment once the (not so) magic mushrooms have been eaten.
Whilst the boys camping equipment might not be, their opinions on sexuality seem to have rounded up nicely by the end of the play, leaving a satisfied audience. Go for a chuckle or to see an unexpected kiss!
Lads of the flies is running 6 – 10 Aug. Tickets available here.
Image provided to The Student as press material.
