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★★★★★‘Deeply touching, honest and raw - A masterclass of theatre and Storytelling’ (The New Current)
In 1994 the Criminal Justice Act effectively outlawed all raves, banning public gatherings around amplified music characterised by “the emission of a succession of repetitive beats”.
Arriving at Riverside Studios after multiple sold out performances and sensational reviews, Ned Campbell, directed by Olivier and Twice Offie nominated Toby Clarke, stars in this London remount of Kieran Hurley’s coming-of-age story exploring rebellion, apathy, and the irresistible power of gathered youth.
Beats tells the story of Johnno McCreadie, a teenager living in a small, suburban working-class Scottish town. Tonight, with his best mate Spanner, he’s going to his first illegal rave. Meanwhile, conflicted Policeman Robert Dunlop is on his way to break things up, as he reflects on his own troubled past in a town left devastated by the closing of the mines and the steel mills.
In this tour de force performance, Ned Campbell effortlessly populates a world of characters brought to life brilliantly by the constant, pulsing soundtrack designed by on stage DJ Emma Haines.
Beats is a pulsating and magnetic celebration of rebellion and resistance, reminding us that we too are gathering to music 30 years after the Criminal Justice Act; demonstrating vividly how the lasting effects of Tory government on our working-class towns is still all too relevant.
★★★★ ‘Told with brilliant simplicity – touching themes of youthful rebellion, generational disconnect and the impact of an infringement of freedom’ (The Arts Dispatch)
★★★★ ‘Superb Performance’ (Everything Theatre)
★★★★‘Warm, Emotive and Pulsating’ (The Reviews Hub)
‘Euphoric – Campbell effortlessly moves between characters’ (Broadway World)
Post-show Q&A hosted by Jamael Westman on Saturday 15th March
Jamael Westman, best known for starring as Alexander Hamilton in the West End production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton, which earned him a Laurence Olivier Award nomination, leads the Q+A on BEATS, at the Riverside Studio on Saturday 15th March 2025, after the matinée performance.
In discussion with the show's star, Ned Campbell (Johnno McCreadie), Olivier and Twice Offie-nominated director Toby Clarke, and DJ Emma Haines, who is responsible for the constant pulsing rave soundtrack on stage, Westman will carefully examine the play, delving into its motifs, language, and depiction of society—then and now.
This show has far more depth than what first meets the eye or resonates in one’s ear. The panel will also share their individual processes and incredible careers so far.
Creative Team
Producer - Adeyinka Akinrinade
Writer - Kieran Hurley
Director - Toby Clarke
Assistant Director - Caitlin Lee Smith
DJ / Sound Designer - Emma Haines
Stage Manager - TJ Roderick
Assistant Producer - Josie Middleton
Lighting Designer - Craig West
Sound Engineer - James Hkay