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Punk Rock
'Everything human beings do finishes up bad in the end. Everything good human beings ever make is built on something monstrous. Nothing lasts. We certainly won't...'
Based on his experience as a teacher, Stephens describes his play as ' The History Boys on crack'. It explores the underlying tensions and potential violence in a group of affluent, articulate seventeen year old students. Contemporary and unnerving, with elements of The Catcher in the Rye , Punk Rock follows the story of seven sixth-formers as they face up to the pressures of teenage life, while preparing for their mock A-level exams and trying to get into Oxbridge. They are a group of educated, intelligent and aspirational young people but step-by-step, the dislocation, disjunction and latent violence simmering under the surface of prosperity is revealed.
Based on his experience as a teacher, Stephens describes his play as ' The History Boys on crack'. It explores the underlying tensions and potential violence in a group of affluent, articulate seventeen year old students. Contemporary and unnerving, with elements of The Catcher in the Rye , Punk Rock follows the story of seven sixth-formers as they face up to the pressures of teenage life, while preparing for their mock A-level exams and trying to get into Oxbridge. They are a group of educated, intelligent and aspirational young people but step-by-step, the dislocation, disjunction and latent violence simmering under the surface of prosperity is revealed.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 27, 2017
This is a tender, ferocious and frightening play, all at the same time. There is something seriously wrong with its six main characters. Six miserable people suffering from the condition of being teenagers with its ups and downs, its lights and its shadows. And in their case there are too many shadows.
It explores the discontents of puberty, how hard those years are and the pressures (external and internal) we are under. It shows or better say it makes us remember how difficult it is to come to terms with the adult world and to admit that whether you like it or not you are going to become one of those beings you don't understand at all and who sometimes you even despise and you are going to be thrown into the real life (which somehow looks phony and unreal to you)
By reading it, or if you are lucky enough,watching it, we witness bullying, angst, sexual conflict... through the eyes of six brilliant students gathering in the library of Stockport on the eve of a series of "mock" exams which will be extremely important to decide the directions their lives will take. A little bit "The lord of the Flies" a little bit "The Breakfast Club": the nerd, the bully, the hot girl, the dumpy girl, the new kid, but this time in constant evolution, six ticking bombs that make you wonder who is going to go off first.
A mirror and a reminder of where our society is going to, what is happening deep inside ourselves, the dangers of not sharing our thoughts, not verbalizing and of passively witnessing things that are wrong. Not only does it leave you with a sour taste in your mouth but it is an eye -opener to some nasty things happening.Uncomfortable but a must.
It explores the discontents of puberty, how hard those years are and the pressures (external and internal) we are under. It shows or better say it makes us remember how difficult it is to come to terms with the adult world and to admit that whether you like it or not you are going to become one of those beings you don't understand at all and who sometimes you even despise and you are going to be thrown into the real life (which somehow looks phony and unreal to you)
By reading it, or if you are lucky enough,watching it, we witness bullying, angst, sexual conflict... through the eyes of six brilliant students gathering in the library of Stockport on the eve of a series of "mock" exams which will be extremely important to decide the directions their lives will take. A little bit "The lord of the Flies" a little bit "The Breakfast Club": the nerd, the bully, the hot girl, the dumpy girl, the new kid, but this time in constant evolution, six ticking bombs that make you wonder who is going to go off first.
A mirror and a reminder of where our society is going to, what is happening deep inside ourselves, the dangers of not sharing our thoughts, not verbalizing and of passively witnessing things that are wrong. Not only does it leave you with a sour taste in your mouth but it is an eye -opener to some nasty things happening.Uncomfortable but a must.
December 12, 2020
OBSESSED. Definitely going to reread immediately.
March 30, 2016
Like the music this play is named after, this succinct, biting story has a hidden bit of soul. The writing is funny, wise and kinda cruel. A handful of teenagers with affluenza; some more severely afflicted than others, amuse themselves. Like most teenagers whose world view ends where they do, the need to prove oneself more worthy, more important, seems paramount, seems all there is. They project their imagined progress; they see themselves bivouacking, chiseling, their way up Mt. Olympus, neglecting the other crabs in the barrel.
One has enough. Quite understandable. Probably wouldn't have done the hierarchy of the corporate world well anyway.
Just saying.
One has enough. Quite understandable. Probably wouldn't have done the hierarchy of the corporate world well anyway.
Just saying.
August 23, 2019
بهتون پیشنهاد می کنم ریویوو های بقیه رو بخونین، چون تو مود نوشتم ریویووی خودم نیستم به طور کامل و تقریبن شبیه بقیست، پس به طور کلی متوجهش می شین وقتی برین تو کامنتا. کلا نمایشنامه خوب و قشنگی بود و منو با هزارتا سوال تنها گذاشت.
October 5, 2024
Teenage desires, insecurities, bullying, and violence. Unconvincing climax.
June 15, 2016
3 1/2 stars maybe a little more. Not sure.
So first and foremost, this is a play and reading a script is always dramatically different to reading a book because it really only gives you the text and sometimes some stage directions to reveal what the characters could be doing. But mostly it's open to interpretation.Which is always interesting when you think about how it could be staged.
The story is great. It's pretty much about a group of teenagers who go to a fee-paying grammar school and how they interact with each other as well as their views on the world and the affect that it has on them which builds directly into the shocking climax of the play. Clues are left along the way as to what is going to happen but you'll need to be on the ball to spot them all I think. Hearing what each of the characters think from the bleak views to the slightly more hopeful ones is interesting and you can't help reflect on the world yourself after reading to see whether or not you quite agree with them.
Speaking of the characters, these are good too. It is clear how they all fit into the little group even though some characters have a much bigger role in the story than others. The interaction between them is great though, funny at times, angering and just plain tense at others.
With this being a naturalistic play set in the modern day the writing and language is what you would expect from people this age who go to a fee-paying grammar school. Essentially your average sweary teenagers with a slightly more extensive vocabulary. The language fits the setting, characters and story well.
Essentially, this is a great script and a good read so long as you have the imagination to bring the play to life.
So first and foremost, this is a play and reading a script is always dramatically different to reading a book because it really only gives you the text and sometimes some stage directions to reveal what the characters could be doing. But mostly it's open to interpretation.Which is always interesting when you think about how it could be staged.
The story is great. It's pretty much about a group of teenagers who go to a fee-paying grammar school and how they interact with each other as well as their views on the world and the affect that it has on them which builds directly into the shocking climax of the play. Clues are left along the way as to what is going to happen but you'll need to be on the ball to spot them all I think. Hearing what each of the characters think from the bleak views to the slightly more hopeful ones is interesting and you can't help reflect on the world yourself after reading to see whether or not you quite agree with them.
Speaking of the characters, these are good too. It is clear how they all fit into the little group even though some characters have a much bigger role in the story than others. The interaction between them is great though, funny at times, angering and just plain tense at others.
With this being a naturalistic play set in the modern day the writing and language is what you would expect from people this age who go to a fee-paying grammar school. Essentially your average sweary teenagers with a slightly more extensive vocabulary. The language fits the setting, characters and story well.
Essentially, this is a great script and a good read so long as you have the imagination to bring the play to life.
February 23, 2025
Bonkers is the only word to say actually
October 20, 2017
we just preformed this for part of my Theatre studies exam and it was such a good script to et our teeth into. This play deals with both complex issues and very complex characters! These characters were easy to read and fun to get your teeth into. The whole script (like Bennett) varies between passive chitchat and really intense moments.
I played the parts of Tanya and William and enjoyed working with the script because there's so much depth to it, it made the theory side of Theatre Studies a lot easier. If you're in a similar situation to me, I'd really recommend looking into this script (just be conscious of the language and themes)
I played the parts of Tanya and William and enjoyed working with the script because there's so much depth to it, it made the theory side of Theatre Studies a lot easier. If you're in a similar situation to me, I'd really recommend looking into this script (just be conscious of the language and themes)
June 24, 2018
One thing I'm not a fan of is the whole "characters who are unsure about their sexuality take it out on others" trope. That was something present in this play and wasn't something I enjoyed.
Other than that, I think the play was okay. I got through it quickly. I wasn't too surprised by the ending. Some of the conversations were a bit too scattered. It would have been better to see them on stage. It's interesting that the playwright was a teacher himself. I think he was able to write the teenagers quite well.
Other than that, I think the play was okay. I got through it quickly. I wasn't too surprised by the ending. Some of the conversations were a bit too scattered. It would have been better to see them on stage. It's interesting that the playwright was a teacher himself. I think he was able to write the teenagers quite well.
August 4, 2017
Good scenes until the very end, where the author artlessly comes in with a teenage school shooting that doesnt fit the characters or the play. Could've been great scene study. Don't read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2020
I read this play for monologue hunting, I'd seen a monologue from it online and wanted to read the whole thing. Plus I was very familiar with the playwright, Simon Stephens and had liked his work before so I thought it would be worth my time.
I quite enjoyed my time reading this, I enjoyed the themes explored and the characters. It's had reviewing plays in detail because obviously they're mainly meant to be consumed as an audience member watching it be performed. I would have loved to watch this play though because there's so much that I imagine can be done with it. But yeah it was a good, quick read. (The penultimate scene was really tense and I loved it).
I quite enjoyed my time reading this, I enjoyed the themes explored and the characters. It's had reviewing plays in detail because obviously they're mainly meant to be consumed as an audience member watching it be performed. I would have loved to watch this play though because there's so much that I imagine can be done with it. But yeah it was a good, quick read. (The penultimate scene was really tense and I loved it).
March 17, 2021
Characters could be more developed and storyline clearer. Not as rich as some of Stephen's other plays.
November 9, 2025
Incredibly bizarre but so funny
August 24, 2022
I really wanted to like this play, but I found many of the characters to be disingenuous depictions of teenagers, and I did not feel like the climactic twist of this play was earned or believable.
April 17, 2012
Čtu divadelní hry na denní bázi, k současným jsem se ale dostala spíš až v tomto roce. Punk rock Simona Stephense vůbec není o punk-rocku, jedinou spojitost vidím v textech písní, kterými jsou jednotlivá "dějství" prokládána. Text je velice povrchní, bez větších dramatických situací. Pod snahou zachytit realitu školních lavic se autorovi daří nakresli maximálně tak typy charakterů, které nudí. Nikde není jasná motivace té "hlavní" postavy a není ani přesvědčivě popsáno, co se děje v hlavě člověku, který se rozhodně sáhnout po zbrani proti svým spolužákům. Jednoduše řečeno; znám opravdu lepší texty a knihy nebo i filmy na toto téma. :)
October 21, 2017
I am not really sure who could perform this play about British teenagers in a private school who discuss sex and fighting and end in tragedy with a school shooting. The language and Oxford accent could be a barrier for high school productions, yet college kids would seem too old to cast as these characters. The script has awesome music suggestions (Big Black, Sonic Youth, The White Stripes) and a cool Holden Caulfield-esque vibe, but ultimately reads like an "R" rated indie film.
June 19, 2013
A dark play about a group of 8 highschool students who hang together in an upstairs library. The school is a fee-paying grammar school. The play reminds me of Breakfast Club. The conversations are brutal as they bully and posture amongst themselves. I found it difficult to read because the interactions were so painful and seemingly real. The ending is abrupt. Good scenes and monologues and produceable, but not for the feint of heart.
November 11, 2017
Extremely well written. However, after reading this and, lately, "Wastwater" and "T5," I am beginning to question whether his use of violence is, to my way of thinking, in the service of art or rather of sensationalism/shock value or, finally, nihilism.
Stephens's admirers talk of the "speck of Hope" that is usually present in his dark visions.
I don't see it.
Stephens's admirers talk of the "speck of Hope" that is usually present in his dark visions.
I don't see it.
November 12, 2018
The first Simon Stephens play I've ever read and although it was a lot to process, it was a very timely and amazing look at the psychological mind of teens moving through some of the toughest and most brutal moments of their lives.
January 23, 2015
It was incredibly sexist and had nothing to do with Punk Rock unless its blaming music for teenage violence, which it wasn't.
March 29, 2017
Excellent play. A must do play for any drama teacher.
June 17, 2020
نمایشنامه جذاب بود و به طور کامل حس رو منتقل میکرد
مخصوصا با ترک هایی که اول هر صحنه معرفی شده اند
اما ترجمه به معنای واقعی کلمه افتضاح بود
مخصوصا با ترک هایی که اول هر صحنه معرفی شده اند
اما ترجمه به معنای واقعی کلمه افتضاح بود
May 13, 2021
That ending came out of nowhere...
December 5, 2021
Blimey that’s a bit bleak Chadwick
Read
April 18, 2022no idea what just happened
May 12, 2024
?????
Yeah, I didn't really like this. Like. At all.
This is the first Simon Stephens play I've read, I've only watched one other (Pornography). His style is...interesting? And I don't think it's for me...at all.
It's quite wanky. In fact, it feels very wanky. There's lots of vulgar dialogue that feels unnecessary.
The characters were quite forgettable.
I was trying to work out whilst reading it, if it was more story focused or character focused. And I couldn't come to an answer as both were quite poor imo.
The story is kind of nothing. Very simple high school exam revision scenario. The characters just felt unnecessarily cruel? It's hinted towards the end that the character Bennett is possibly under going questions regarding his sexuality leading to his violent behaviours - but this felt like it came out of no where.
In fact, this whole play kinda came out of no where; but in the worst way. I know Simon Stephens is a talented guy, but it genuinely felt like he didn't know what he wanted to say so he just kind of made every character act out of character (despite not really having a character ??) for the sake of action.
There's a line early on that is just blatantly racist and it's not even questioned or examined. It's just kind of there. Without purpose. Which is just stupid.
The ending with the gun??????? I just- WHAT?! Crazy. Truly pulling at straws to create an interesting ending.
To introduce a guy right at the very end to kill off some characters is just...wow, it felt like such a weak attempt at an ending.
And then the ACTUAL ending with William being interview by a Doctor. Yeah, just not it at all. So weak and undeserved.
Maybe I'm not seeing something? Maybe the stage production was better but wowzah - I hated this.
Sorry Simon matey.
Yeah, I didn't really like this. Like. At all.
This is the first Simon Stephens play I've read, I've only watched one other (Pornography). His style is...interesting? And I don't think it's for me...at all.
It's quite wanky. In fact, it feels very wanky. There's lots of vulgar dialogue that feels unnecessary.
The characters were quite forgettable.
I was trying to work out whilst reading it, if it was more story focused or character focused. And I couldn't come to an answer as both were quite poor imo.
The story is kind of nothing. Very simple high school exam revision scenario. The characters just felt unnecessarily cruel? It's hinted towards the end that the character Bennett is possibly under going questions regarding his sexuality leading to his violent behaviours - but this felt like it came out of no where.
In fact, this whole play kinda came out of no where; but in the worst way. I know Simon Stephens is a talented guy, but it genuinely felt like he didn't know what he wanted to say so he just kind of made every character act out of character (despite not really having a character ??) for the sake of action.
There's a line early on that is just blatantly racist and it's not even questioned or examined. It's just kind of there. Without purpose. Which is just stupid.
The ending with the gun??????? I just- WHAT?! Crazy. Truly pulling at straws to create an interesting ending.
To introduce a guy right at the very end to kill off some characters is just...wow, it felt like such a weak attempt at an ending.
And then the ACTUAL ending with William being interview by a Doctor. Yeah, just not it at all. So weak and undeserved.
Maybe I'm not seeing something? Maybe the stage production was better but wowzah - I hated this.
Sorry Simon matey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2022
EPQ READING
-The speech between characters often had two conversations interjecting which would’ve made the viewing experience authentic and realistic.
-Music (Punk rock) to mark transitions in scenes. This really helped set the mood.
-Teenage characters are written like teenagers and Stephens is unafraid to present the ugly reality.
-I really admired the level of detail in subtext in all the dialogue.
-Distinct characters who went beyond teenage stereotypes.
-Racism and slurs used casually which didn’t feel necessary to the story or plot.
-The stage directions were very vague so some scenes lost distinction.
-The pacing jumped quickly and the final emotional climax felt a little rushed and unexpected. Possibly for shock value.
- Character background (e.g. sexuality) felt halted by the climax. There was a possibility for expansion.
-The speech between characters often had two conversations interjecting which would’ve made the viewing experience authentic and realistic.
-Music (Punk rock) to mark transitions in scenes. This really helped set the mood.
-Teenage characters are written like teenagers and Stephens is unafraid to present the ugly reality.
-I really admired the level of detail in subtext in all the dialogue.
-Distinct characters who went beyond teenage stereotypes.
-Racism and slurs used casually which didn’t feel necessary to the story or plot.
-The stage directions were very vague so some scenes lost distinction.
-The pacing jumped quickly and the final emotional climax felt a little rushed and unexpected. Possibly for shock value.
- Character background (e.g. sexuality) felt halted by the climax. There was a possibility for expansion.
November 9, 2024
I feel like this story would have been more relevant if it had been set in an American school, especially considering the themes of gun violence. However, I thought the choice to explore how the effects of living with the pressure and expectations of the school system (and the elite private school system) can break kids was an interesting one.
Stephen Simon does a really good job of writing angry teenagers. He handled the topics of bullying, peer pressure, and toxic masculinity really well... especially in the moments where we see the boys in the group of "friends" interact.
Stephen Simon does a really good job of writing angry teenagers. He handled the topics of bullying, peer pressure, and toxic masculinity really well... especially in the moments where we see the boys in the group of "friends" interact.
June 9, 2023
That was insane. At first I wasn't quite sure how the story would unfold, but as each scene when on I was more and more hooked. It has the feeling of any high schools Stephens did a great job capturing how brutal high school can be. The ending is also heartbreaking, especially when looking at today's political climate. I will for sure be coming back and give this one a reread in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews