Ugly Review by Milad Hatam

UGLY

UGLY is set in a grim post-apocalyptic world where hope looks all but lost. Rather than a world crammed with advanced technology we so often associate with the future, writer Emma Adams uses a steampunk industrial setting, enabling the audience to relate to this alien world. She establishes an ugly world where basic rations are in low supply. Humans are categorised as either ‘Non-specs’ - lower class - and ‘Specials’ - the preferred people - who must carry tags to identify their status in a harsh human hierarchy.

The story tracks two main characters; ‘Extra Super Special’ Ben (played by Peter Hinton) and safeguard ‘Woody’ (Rebecca Rogers). Banter between them immediately establishes their affection towards each other, despite the constant bickering. They travel through the savage scavenge-fest slums - overflowing with ‘Non-specs’ - and are rescued by Mrs Mason (Jo Mousley - also seen on Coronation Street), who introduces a touch of much-needed humour. 

Extremely intense blood filled graphic scenes guarantees awkward viewing, and certainly not suitable for kids. These unspeakable horrors are told with such clarity the audience become emotionally attached to the characters.

Gun pointing and knife-wielding require a certain level of trust between the cast of any show, and it is certainly present in this play.   

UGLY grabs the warzone in today’s society and, in an hour, presents the possible outcome at a time when hope is fading, not too dissimilar to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, in which Scrooge is shown his miserable future in a bid to alter his “Bah! Humbug!” attitude. 

In a fascinating quote towards the latter part of the play, Mert (Anna-Marie Nabirye) asks Mrs Mason if she would like her to kneel to her, in a rebellion against the authorities’ order for them to kneel to them. Mrs Mason courageously answers, “No my dear, we shall stand”, a message to the audience from Emma Adams that there is a light shining in this dark comic tale - there is still time to discuss and therefore act against the increasing dangers climate change presents – a mutual interest between the audience and producers Red Ladder.

However, I did not feel the message was obvious, and, at times, a lot of concentration was needed to follow the plot. Admittedly, it was the first time I experienced a play at a theatre, finding it intensely moving; proving it is an effective form of empowering people.