SNS: The School

Second series, first audio: The School by Simon Guerrier.

SAPPHIRE: Steel is a lame-o!
STEEL: I'm not!

This audio really works best on a first listening. This is best evidenced by what happens to the character Chatura. The first time around, we get alternatively appalled and confused by what happens to her (and it helps draw the listener in when they wonder what is going on). But on the second listen, I'm only left wondering what the point of her is. We now know the truth about her, so what happens to her has far less of an impact, the dramatic tension is completely reduced.

(Obviously this is a problem with a lot of stories, but the truth of the matter is such an underpinning to what is going on that it makes accepting what is going on the second time nearly impossible.)

But, what of the story itself? It's about (surprise, surprise) a school. Well, we most of us relate to that, we went to school as kids, had out cliques, the mean kids, the nerds, the teachers who worked and the teachers who... actually, that's almost entirely what this audio isn't about. The kids that is. It's about the teachers,and what they get up to, about which we all have a common... lack of common ground. Simon Guerrier decided to give us a play about a something we all share, and then now show any of the kids. Well done, that man.

Still, there's a lot of weirdness going on, that we forgive him a little, as long as its worth it. And it is. The first time around.

David Warner and Susannah Harker turn in brilliant performances as ever. Oh, for them to appear in these roles on the screen! It would be amazing. (And as for their performances in episode four...um, that's bordering on the surreal.) Keith Drinkel and Lisa Daniely turn in strong performances as Mr and Mrs Leslie. Victoria Gould doesn't get to do too much with Chatura. And James Daniel Wilson (aka Paul from the Tomorrow People audios) makes a meal of his role as Max.

We also get a "bonus" with this audio of a discussion with Joseph Lidster about Daisy Chain. Interesting comments there, and capped off with Susannah Harker's musical problems.

So, The School is definitely worth one listen, but doesn't withstand subsequent listenings.