Tears stream furiously down his cheeks. The boy points his gun at us as we enter the theatre and immediately we are immersed in the tension and drama of ‘Herons’, by acclaimed playwright Simon Stephens. After his father witnesses and reports the vicious murder of a girl, 14 year-old Billy tries to avoid being attacked by Scott, brother of one of the murderers. The plot is intricate and cruel, but at times hard to follow as key elements happen off-stage. Yet the brilliant performances by Jamie Manton as Billy, and George Watkins as Scott, really connect you with the anguish and desperation of their characters. This play explores the consequences of pushing a person’s vulnerability to the limit.

Zoo, until 26 Aug (not 21), 12.30pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Natalia Equihua]