‘Make Me Feel’ at the Bush Theatre Review: A fun and enjoyable look at the highs, lows and politics of friendship

I was back at the Bush Theatre this week for the world premiere of ‘Make Me Feel.’ Written by Bush Writers’ Group alumni Will Jackson for the 18-25 Bush Young Company, the play follows Jamie (Joshua Aketse-Entsie) and Ruby (Dejuan Desiree) as they plan their nuptials. Also, along for the ride is their seventeen friends, who all go through their own highs and lows in the run up to the big day. It is accurately described as a cross between ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Normal People,’ and does offer a heartwarming and fun look into the politics of the 18-25 age bracket. Although, inevitably, several characters and plot points do fall by the wayside, the overall experience is a highly enjoyable one.

As a start, the Bush Theatre should be commended for its endeavours to educate and empower a new generation of diverse theatre talent. It is clear that the cast, and the creative team, are all ones to watch. The set is immediately striking, and the space is used well to communicate a multitude of places, including clubs, pubs and the wedding venue itself. The lighting is well used to communicate changes in mood and location, and a particularly immersive, albeit slightly irrelevant, protest scene is made more immersive through the use of smoke effects.

The show soars when focussing on the wider dynamics of the friendship group, and often makes for a humorous and relatable piece of theatre. A particular standout is a scene depicting the Hens’ and Stags’ Whatsapp group chats as they plan their respective Hen and Stag nights, which drew laughter from the audience. It was during these moments that the audience was most engaged.

However, balancing many characters and plot threads does not always work. Scenes that particularly feel out of place are a speed awareness course, and a pro-Palestinian protest. The latter is particularly ripe for criticism, as it seems that, without reference to it throughout the rest of the play, a political message is included for the sake of including a political message. Although I have seen other reviewers focus in on these gripes, if you sit back and enjoy the ride, the show is guaranteed to take you on an interesting journey, much like life itself.

4/5

Thanks for reading!

Don’t miss the last shows today!

Tickets: https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/make-me-feel/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7179390604&gbraid=0AAAAADniBzdAvrN4574a0SHQLcg0TEsK_&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqqDFBhDhARIsAIHTlkt7nlCzFu7Ydb5iiz77lXxdffkvvjv6tg-8i9sCNGhtzdnd5tFH_gcaAjFmEALw_wcB#book

Photography by Harry Elletson