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Review of 'Home' from the April edition of 'Evangelicals Now'
"Home" is the latest show from EverAfter Theatre Company. Devised from first-hand accounts of life on the streets, this is a gritty and hard-hitting piece of theatre that addresses many of our misconceptions about the reality of homelessness. Yet "Home" is more than just a powerful reminder of the conditions our country's homeless population face; through its skillful examination of basic human needs, the audience is pointed to the great human need for God that we all share.
The cast of two actors - John Newton Webb, who also scripted the production, and Sally Okafor - masterfully deliver and develop a dazzling array of characters from all walks of life, who for one reason or another have ended up on the streets.
The play certainly educates its audience about the realities and many causes of homelessness, giving us a window on what life on the streets is really like, and breaking a few stereotypes. We are asked to identify with the stories and accept that in many cases homelessness is not the fault of the individual. But as we bond with these needy characters, we are also challenged; some of them realise that there is a greater need than escaping poverty, or even drug addiction. Moreover there are riches to be gained that are unimaginably greater than material wealth. And herein is the central theme of the play, here is Christ. Our greatest need, whatever our situation, is salvation from our sin, and the only home which endures forever is eternal life through Jesus.
Without doubt, "Home" delivers the goods. Here is a piece of first-rate story-telling that not only engages, entertains and educates
throughout, but which skillfully uses its backdrop of human aspirations, needs and frailty to deliver a very clear and Biblically
faithful gospel message.
Alister Smithy
Audience comments on 'HOME'
"Funny, poignant, uplifting, challenging and informative, it was a clever blend of statistics and personal stories with a strong message - a really excellent production"
Ian Macnair, Pastor, Bethel Evangelical Church.
"I thoroughly enjoyed this powerful production." "Fully recommended"
"Very insightful" "Thank you for a wonderful evening"
"Superb" "Cleverly written" "Brilliantly acted"
"Thought provoking and challenging"
"The characterisations were very believable and the stories heart-rending"
"We learned a lot and were very moved by the experience"
"Compelling throughout" "Absolutely brilliant"
"Very professional and well-written production"
"Very moving" "An amazing, thought provoking show"
"Very powerful and moving." "Well researched and informative"
"The way you discussed Christianity in the play was done in an accessible and non-threatening way even for people who are not Christians"
"The gospel was very well interwoven and powerfully expressed."
"The stuff about homelessness was spot on" (Homeless audience member in a performance in a homeless shelter).
"Visually and vocally creative" "You moved me to laughter and to tears"
Audience comments on 'Into The Wild' and 'Great Escapes':
- 'More engaging than the Royal Shakespeare Company'
- 'Totally engaging', 'Just brilliant',
- 'Action-packed', 'Very effective',
- 'Just magic', 'Talented and insightful',
- 'Perfect', 'Fantastic acting',
- 'Hilarious comedy', 'Energy', 'Passion'.
