Electric and pulsing, Teddy is a flash of a show with two perfectly pitched anti-heroes and a swinging soundtrack.

Credit is due across the board for the creative team, but let’s start with the script. It is bursting with onomatopoeia, similes and heightened description akin to Steven Berkoff, but with its own special lilt by playwright Tristan Bernays. The actors enjoy the text so much they almost chew their words, the result being we hang on to every one of them: a generous and well-paced feat.

The two very demanding lead roles of Teddy (played by Joseph Prowen) and Josie (played by Jennifer Kirby) are portrayed with charisma, charm and heaps of skill. These actors are impressive on stage in their own rights, both possessing that elusive quality that really makes you want to watch someone. Kirby strides ahead with mesmerising gusto at times as her character’s full throttle nature demands, leaving some more subtle tender moments to Prowen, which he delivers on point. The chemistry between the two is refreshing, from their winning senses of pride causing humorous bumps in the courtship, to the underlying strength of the connection between this “Ted” and “Judy”.

Some excellent decisions are made in this production by director Eleanor Rhode. The balance of music and drama, of storytelling to surreal jumps where actors interact with a band that is firmly established in the audience’s world, work very well. On the front row my concern for our lead couple had me holding my breath for their well-being at times! And you are never allowed to get bored with the well-designed but stationary set, as the actors clamber around and on it, with Christopher Nairne’s lighting adding the extra dimension when needed. It is clear that everyone involved in getting this show on its feet worked together and did it well. I would keep an eye out for future Snapdragon Productions based on this calibre of unity in its design and delivery.

Set in the 1950’s, Teddy screams with passion for its era and the youth culture within. The contrast between Teddy and Josie’s dreams of California and the dusty reality of post-war Elephant and Castle is heartbreaking – another example of dangling unobtainable glitz and glamour promoting vicarious and consequently vicious living. But just as they crave a Cadillac, the audience surely are left craving the world of Teddies and Judies. The passion for their music, their clothes and their partying is truly infectious. They seem to be cleverly tapping into the trend of themed decade immersion nights, so I would advise seeing this show as the whole package: quiff your hair and don that red lipstick as you will be dancing by the end of the night.

Teddy plays at the Southwark Playhouse until 27 June. For more information and tickets visit the Southwark Playhouse website. Photo by Darren Bell.