Publisher Description

Am I a virgin? I think I am. I mean it went in her but it was floppy and it wasn't very nice so I think I am a virgin. I'm going to say I am. Will look better on me uni applications.Liverpool, 1989. Greg is thirteen. He has just started secondary school. He earns pocket money sweeping up hair in a barbers. Girls are aliens. Liverpool FC are everything. Edinburgh, 2012. Greg has an extraordinary story to tell you. Bottleneck is a vibrant coming-of-age story about becoming a man through adventures both big and small. It is about a notorious city; Liverpool. How the outside worlds views it. And how it views the outside world.Botleneck was first presented by HighTide Festival Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival, August 1 2012, directed by Steven Atkinson.

Author Biography

Luke Barnes is an emerging British playwright, both a unique and exciting wordsmith. His first play Chapel Street was selected as one of the top five new plays off the West End in 2011 by The Stage and he was shortlisted for an OffWestEnd.com award for most promising playwright.

Review

"An explosive tale of the tricky journey to manhood - [Luke Barnes] emerges from this year's Fringe as a red-hot writing talent to watch.' Independent 'An impressive emerging talent - in its strongest moments, it completely engrosses. Its climax is an eye-watering account of the terrifying events of that day from the point of view of a boy whose life is irrevocably changed thereafter. This is poignant, unflinching stuff.' Daily Telegraph 'This coming-of-age tale, set in Liverpool 1989, is full of verve and fizz - It's a simple and moving story, but Barnes crams it with detail about working-class scouse life' - Guardian 'The mood darkens convincingly throughout Luke Barnes's piece as a world of innocence is shattered irrevocably' Evening Standard 'An all-too-familiar scar becomes lived experience - it pops with vivid, expressionist details' Financial Times 'Devastating and complex. The writing is nuanced and intelligent - urgent, fresh, full of rage - razor-sharp writing - [a] furious snarl of a play' Exuent"

Promotional

Bottleneck is a vibrant coming-of-age story about becoming a man through adventures both big and small.

Review Quote

"Very funny, finely written... Bottleneck entertains with an ease that seems a distant memory by the time the arresting finale comes fully developed... Bottleneck is a pleasure to recommend." No Borders "Outstanding... well-written... an extremely compelling hour." Telegraph "An explosive tale of the tricky journey to manhood... [Luke Barnes] emerges from this year's Fringe as a red-hot writing talent to watch." Independent "Devastating and complex. The writing is nuanced and intelligent... urgent, fresh, full of rage... razor-sharp writing... [a] furious snarl of a plya." Exeunt

Promotional "Headline"

Bottleneck is a vibrant coming-of-age story about becoming a man through adventures both big and small.

Details