The Millennials is a marvellous show that pays dividends to the experiences of Generation X. It combats the myriad of bleating epithets used to describe those born between 1980 and the mid-1990s in a witty and wholly humours way, with the use of wonderfully written wordplay.

The show gets off to a glorious start with a guest appearance from gaudy glamazons Witt ‘n’ Camp. The dynamic duo doesn’t disappoint with a flurry of mischievous digs and lewd lyrics that speak directly to the millennial mindset. It is sad to see them go so early in the show.

Introductions over, the stage is taken by the first in a series of eight short stories, all written by different playwrights, all featuring different actors. Thematically they thrum to the same beat of millennial circumstance, however each story is vastly different from its counterpart, from the tale of the vanquished hamster who perished at the hands of the beautifully dressed blogger, to preposterously preppy lad-cum-husband justly swindled, to the more serious story of porn addiction that miraculously, through brilliant acting and clever writing has the audience in hysterics. This switching between stories keeps what is a long performance fresh with intrigue. If you aren’t sold on one story you need only wait a matter of minutes for the next.

As with any show made up of multiple actors and plots The Millennials does on occasion lose sight of the big picture, and acting ability does vary. Wed this with some confused lighting which has the audience sporadically plunged into darkness, and you have a show unsuited to those desiring the prim and the perfect.  You do, however, have a fun-filled feast for those who can appreciate the offbeat, the original, and the rough and the ready.

Through witty quips and recognisable references The Millennials speaks to Generation X in a language of laughter. So varied at the stories that, bar the Santa strung up in chains, each member of the audience will see one of their own experiences played out in front of them. As a millennial myself I let lose an inward scream in support of Lauren Cooney’s hunger game-esk caterwaul, “if we burn, the 1% burn with us.”

The writers, actors, and mentors of Black Cat Theatre deserve an immense applause. As in their own words, ‘leave your expectations at the doors and you will see the millennial generation like never before.’

The Millennials played at Southwark Playhouse on the 4th of December. For more information on Black Cat Theatre, take a look at their twitter: https://twitter.com/blackcattco?lang=en