During the pandemic, some actors unexpectedly found themselves soaring to new heights of success, and Charithra Chandran is a prime example. From her debut in Amazon’s “Alex Rider” to her portrayal as the younger Sharma sister in season two of Netflix’s “Bridgerton“, the former Oxford graduate has proven her versatility and talent, time after time. Now, she takes on a new challenge by making her debut on London’s West End, where she commands the stage solo in “Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon”. In the 80-minute, one-woman show originally based on Rosie Day’s play, Chandran portrays a troubled 17-year-old, Eileen — whose identity is kept under wraps till just before the play ends — grappling with tragedy and various teenage struggles.
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The play is set against a darkly comedic backdrop, and utilises dramatic monologues and flashback videos to portray the intricacies of loss and the evolution of family dynamics. Reflecting on her journey, Chandran expressed her excitement for this milestone opportunity, acknowledging the creative stimulation that comes with performing on the West End. During the early days of her rehearsals, she stated that,
Every actor wants to be creatively pushed, and the West End is a bucket list moment for me.
The play’s narrative begins with Chandran’s character coming to grips with the death of her older sister Olive, who succumbed to complications from anorexia. “It was a Yorkshire pudding…she just dropped dead,” her character bluntly remarks while seated on the stage bed, as videos flash behind her.
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Olive’s tragic death triggers the unravelling of the family unit, with her parents seeking comfort in new relationships, leaving little attention for their surviving daughter. This prompts Eileen to navigate her grief at school, where she finds herself drawn to a group of friends deemed “out of her league”, and she tells us,
Teenagers crave acceptance from the popular crowd…we’ve all been there at least once.
However, the initially promising friendship takes a dark turn with the introduction of drugs, alcohol, and older companions, plunging her into a harrowing and precarious situation. Despite initial expectations of humour, the play quickly unfolds into an exploration of trauma and its impact on a young girl’s life. Chandran shines on stage, impressively recovering from just two blink-and-you’d-miss-them slips during her unbroken hour and 20-minute performance.
But while acknowledging the brilliance of her performance, some audience members, including myself, found the intense subject matter overwhelming. The story spans four tumultuous years in the protagonist’s life, marked by loss, trauma, and loneliness, with barely any moments of respite. While shedding light on serious issues is important, the lack of lighter moments in the production made it a challenging experience for those seeking escapism in the theatre.
I also find it strange that there’s a growing trend of cramming a multitude of social issues in a single film, TV series, and now even stage performances, instead of focusing on one, or perhaps a couple, and fully doing justice to them. Throughout the four years, the protagonist, at just 17, was faced with one tragedy after another, ranging from death to assault. While these events provide crucial lessons for both teenagers and parents, the impact would have been more profound if the character had been given the chance to just catch a break.
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The play’s outline promised more humour than it delivered, despite initial hints of sarcastic wit and self-deprecation. While the synopsis mentioned the teenager’s obsession with Taylor Swift, apart from one reference to the music icon and the play’s introduction with “Are You Ready For It”, there was little indication of her supposed obsession.
As previously mentioned, Chandran’s performance was immaculate, showcasing her acting chops both in ensemble work and her solo stint. And despite the play’s bumpiness and occasional reliance on clichés, it ultimately comes from a place of genuine sincerity and good intentions.
I do, however, eagerly anticipate seeing Chandran in a more fun and lighthearted role in the future. Fortunately, the wait won’t be long, as her next project, “How to Date Billy Walsh”, premieres on (Amazon) Prime Video UK in September.
But for now, “Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon” continues its run on the West End in London, every Sunday until April 28, 2024.
