Photo credit – Kelsea Knox
Wasted is the first play offered by The Kings Arms Theatre Company since its launch a few weeks ago. At the launch, I discussed with the artistic team, the feeling of inclusivity that they wish to create with their productions, using the space to encompass the audience into their surroundings, and bringing them close to the action of the play to give them a fuller experience. The theatre space above the pub is versatile, and I was pleasantly surprised with the set design as they had used every inch of the space around the audience to good effect, creating a performative space for the intro act with microphones and a background of old TV screens giving this space a retro vibe, but also created a condensed bar/café, and a graveside/memory tree and benches. With the audience wrapped around it, the different spaces felt like an ease into a set/scene change without any disruption in the dialogue, so the pacing was never disturbed.
Each evening during the run, a different Manchester-based spoken word artist is to perform, adding a local link to this play written by Kae Tempest, whose original inspiration came from his life in London. Adapting this play to Manchester gives it local roots and embeds it deep into a Manchester scene in which I am sure that this theatre company will nestle into with their own flare, and professionalism. This evening was the turn of Chris Seymour, who spoke about being human, our flaws and weaknesses, supporting each other, being happy in yourself, and the importance of community. It created the perfect vibe for the show and shows why poetry is still relevant and that it offers a way to express your inner self, whilst also being kinda cool!
I heard a snippet of Wasted at the launch, and hearing the introduction again gave me the same buzz – the poetic rhythmic introductions to a new part of the story, using words and beat to frame heartfelt emotions, expressing things that can be difficult to say. But the beginning is what I would term their Ode to Manchester – its hard knocks that destroy dreams, but also the community that surfaces within its nooks and crannies.
The storyline revolves around the ten-year anniversary of the death of the fourth member of their friendship group. Tony died at age fifteen, and his friends Ted (Liam Scholes), Charlotte (Mollie Winnard) and Danny (Milan Sangar) are now in their mid-20’s with their school days behind them. Each character at some point in the play gets their chance to monologue about where they are in life, all seem miserable with their life choices, feeling stagnant and not knowing how to be more dynamic, and that their dreams were not becoming a reality. The ten-year anniversary made them reflect on how mundane their existence is, and how they feel trapped by their social class and lack of opportunities.
Theatre in the round is exposing for a performer. It can expose a lack of comfort or confidence resulting in a less than convincing performance, but this group has done their work. The excellent direction of John O’Neill has brought out all of the nuances within the script. The script is so well written, and very dialogue heavy for any performer to take on, but the words had meaning and vulnerability, which gave the performer a route via expression. Tempest’s wordy script asks the question about our education system, social classes, opportunities for young people, and how to work our way through grief and the mundane nature of everyday life. But also, amongst the everyday mundane existence, are friendship, commitment and love, and not to take them for granted. What happens when you face the fact that your dreams have not come true!
There was a moment when Charlotte and Danny lay on the floor that exposed one draw back to the layout of the space. The back row of the audience could not see their faces and relied on their spoken words without the context of their expressions, which may have lessened the impact of the scene, maybe a slightly different positioning on the stage may have helped.
There are only two more performances left to see this play, and Manchester folks, it is well worth your time. Grab a pint in the atmospheric bar and then head up to the theatre for some quality performance! Well done to the team – good job!
To book tickets to The Kings Arms Theatre Company’s Wasted, go to – https://kingsarmssalford.com/events/
Reviewer: Caroline Worswick
Reviewed: 12th November 2026
Theatre Muse Rating: ****
