Static[author-post-rating] (3/5 stars)

Static is not a perfect show, but it is a mature and mostly well-judged exploration of growing up and trying to make sense of the world. Our teenage protagonist, Boy (Hugh McCann), monologues almost without drawing breath, baring his soul, his hopes and his fears as he grows up and starts to find his feet.

A lonely child, he is happier with his TV or computer screen than he is with his peers, always looking to discover more about the world and keep abreast of the news, even when it’s scary and difficult. We start with 9/11 and the reverberations of the attacks around the world, and move through to London’s 7/7 bombings, the Boy’s own mugging and his first taste of protest – when he ends up on top of Millbank near that infamous fire extinguisher.

For a boy who dreams of being on Newsnight, protest is a way to make himself feel real, to feel that he lives in the world he sees on TV. McCann is an accomplished but pleasantly naturalistic performer, amusing when playing his own parents, realistically awkward but articulate in his own guise. The script is sharp, offering an insight into Tom’s head and his confused teenage thoughts without ever being patronising. He also captures the excitement of his younger self very well when looking back.

The script has moments of weakness which jar against the rest and McCann’s delivery sometimes gets a bit scrambled, but it is mostly direct and incisive. He also tells a good story – he’s very good at drawing you in to his world. Some of the sound effects and props are a little over-used – they’re not necessary – but this over-reliance feels like a nervous choice by a new company. Static’s not perfect, but given the youth of those involved, it’s a calm and impressive first show, and one that promises much for the future.

Static is at the Fiddler’s Elbow as part of PBH’s Free Fringe until 24 August. For more information visit the Edinburgh Fringe website.