Review: Chewing Gum Dreams on NT Collections

The NT's latest virtual offering for education institutions comes in the form of National Theatre Collections, housing 50 filmed titles that are available online for the education sector globally. The platform has recently added 10 new titles, so I had a look at one of them – Michaela Coel's famous Chewing Gum Dreams.

With such acclaim that it sparked its own spin–off TV series, the production has certainly stood the test of time. The monologue is explosive, crass and humorous, while also touching on some delicate areas of youth, race and relationships. Without glamorising any element, the production depicts adolescence in the harsh light of day. The awkwardness of young sexual interactions, the power play of bullying, the impact of familial dynamics and a search for identity are huge elements that collide and clash throughout the production.