Beats

In 1994 the Criminal Justice Act effectively outlawed raves, banning public gatherings around amplified music characterised by 'the emission of a succession of repetitive beats.' Featuring a soundtrack from a live DJ and psychedelic 90s-inspired visuals, Beats tells the story of Johnno McCreadie, a teenager living in a small suburban Scottish town at the time of the Act. Beats is an award-winning new play by Kieran Hurley; a coming-of-age story exploring rebellion, apathy, and the irresistible power of gathered youth.

Beats was the winner of Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland, as well as the winner of The Arches Platform 18 Behaviour Award 2012.

"A tremendous piece of storytelling that takes us back to 1994." Guardian

"An outstanding show; clever, ruthless, compassionate, full of political insight... with a subtlety, humanity that takes the breath away." Scotsman

"Hurley delivers the performance with an eye-popping intensity." Time Out London

"An original, urgent piece of theatre." Telegraph

"Deceptively brilliant." Herald

"Theatre at its most vital and electrifying." Metro

"A truly intelligent and magical performance." Edinburgh Evening News

"Kieran's talent is seemingly endless: the poetic flow of his words against the busy background music...his expressions, and the descriptive content of the story are superb...Kieran is able to rile emotion from within, stirring excitement and suspense with just the use of his voice, and his choice of words.." The Upcoming