Sorry (I Broke Your Arms and Legs) ★★★★★

The term coming of age drama/comedy can often instill mixed emotions amongst audiences. Done properly they can be endearing, compulsive viewing. Handled badly, and they frequently melt into sentimental schmaltz. So, it was intriguing to see that Maybe You Like It had chosen to bring to this year’s Fringe a production – written and acted by James Akka – that explores the trials and tribulations of twelve-year-old Sam Wilson, as he pursues his obsessive quest to become his school’s head boy – in the enticingly-titled Sorry (I Broke Your Arms and Legs).

An academic high achiever, some might cruelly choose to describe Sam as a “geek” or a “swat”. He possesses every school merit badge possible – apart from PE, of course – and is an obsessive stickler for order, always carrying a copy of his school’s rulebook in his pocket. He also has very few friends – apart from his bestie, the similarly geeky Chris. Yet above all else, as he starts Year Eight, he is convinced that it is his absolute right to be made head boy. In a hurricane-paced single-hander, Akka – ably assisted by some of the best use of PowerPoint this side of a Dave Gorman set – recounts Sam’s tale of his increasingly-obsessive quest; navigating playground feuds, sporting mishaps, mortifying school discos and ultimately, as the title suggests, having to apologise to one of his schoolmates for causing actual bodily harm.

From the get go, Sorry I Broke Your Arms and Legs exudes originality. The fast-paced script is utterly engaging and backed up by the clever PowerPoint visuals. It allows Akka to totally get under the skin of Sam’s character, and those others – as seen from the boy’s perspective – who are assisting or hindering his journey towards head boyship. The narrative is as pin sharp as it is highly amusing, with plot twists and turns aplenty and Akka’s characterisation is so on point, you will actually start to believe you are listening to a twelve-year-old lad, rather than an actor in his twenties. Unsurprisingly though, it is also a play with a more somber side, exploring whether a person’s yearning to achieve can actually be driven by a reluctance to confront who they truly are. If you are looking for an hour of stand-out bitter-sweet comedy drama at this year’s fringe, then this play is a must see!