Ooook! Productions’ The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole (Aged 13 ¾) is a perfect way to end Epiphany term. After completing your dissertations and starting to stress about looming adulthood, find respite in the teenage world of girls and bullies with Adrian Mole.

Joined by an excellent band including (a surprise to everyone including themselves) Trevelyan’s own Dan Wattis on percussion, the performance opens with the happy(ish) Mole family on Christmas. We then follow Adrian from ages 13 ¾ to 14 ¾ as he tells us through his diary about how he’s becoming an intellectual, his increasing interactions with the BBC, and his competing against best friend Nigel to date Pandora. Al Palmer as Adrian and Mortiz Afridi as Nigel had excellent chemistry that captured the boyish charm the show exudes, whilst their relationship with Pandora (Beth Fairbairn) provided brilliant comic relief.

The cast was scattered with Trevelyan College members – Rosie Crompton as Bert, Helena O’Neill as Ensemble, and Oscar Dunfield Prayero as Mr Lucas – who all impressed. Their vocals were particularly memorable and Rosie Crompton passing out whilst wrapped in a communist flag was very entertaining (you’ll have to watch to understand the context!).

I was blown away by Rhiannon Morgan’s extraordinarily strong vocals as Pauline Mole and Anna Pile as Doreen Slater. Overall, the ‘adults’ were able to distinguish themselves as more “mature” than the ‘children’ whilst also maintaining the fast-paced, comic atmosphere.

After completing your dissertations and starting to stress about looming adulthood, find respite in the teenage world of girls and bullies with Adrian Mole.

‘Misunderstood’ was a highlight for me, the whole cast coming together for a school ball type celebration. Choreographers Lexi Praxl and Catriona Eke created some brilliant routines that felt refreshing and different, especially during Adrian’s tonsilitis and the nativity play.

The set, despite its many (seamless) set changes, often didn’t capture the energy that the cast ensued. I felt it could have certainly been more colourful and vibrant, although that potentially hinted at the backgrounded despair of Thatcher’s 80s. However, the stage was so often cluttered with passionate acting and singing that it didn’t need to be excessively decorated.

Musical Director Zac Smith did a great job to keep the energy up throughout the performance. Trevelyan’s Bex Smith on drums worked well to maintain the pacing across the show.

If you’re looking for something to do tonight, I would recommend Oook!’s Adrian Mole. Props go to directors Jed Godfrey and Jamie Strand for putting together a brilliant show for all audiences to bookend Epiphany Term.

Image: Ooook! Productions