A Class Feeling: This is Makina Review
Written by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
A Class Feeling: This is Makina is performing this week at The Customs House. It is a raw and powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and community. Set in the working-class town of South Shields in the North East, the play captures the spirit and struggles of local lad Justin as he navigates the intersection of grief, personal ambition, social class and local heritage.
Written by Christina Berriman Dawson, the narrative at its core, questions how much class really defines a person’s future and how difficult it is to break free from the chains of expectation. The title itself, A Class Feeling, resonates as both a socio-political commentary and an emotional state. The play doesn't shy away from the harsh realities many in the audience may recognise, but it balances this with moments of levity, solidarity, and hope.
Grief is another emotional state that is explored throughout, and this vice-like grip is the narrative thread that weaves between the scenes pushing Justin (Ben Gettings) towards his dream of being an MC in the Makina scene, eagerly encouraged by his endearing sidekick Woody (Andrew Finnigan). Their chemistry is palpable, creating moments of both high emotion and deep camaraderie.
The remaining cast members, Jam (Kylie Ann Ford) and Adele (Emily Dowson) deliver solid performances, breathing life into characters that feel both relatable and fully realised. Each actor skillfully portrays the unique struggles and triumphs of their character while contributing to the larger narrative of shared hardship and hope.
As the title suggests, this play is set against the backdrop of the raw energy that is Makina, a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Spain and is popular in the rave and underground dance scenes of the North East. Makina has been passed down through four generations and tells politically charged stories, filled with heartache, acceptance and love. Featuring original lyrics by MC Drop Dead Fred, with additional lyrics from MCs from the Makina scene, to give the play a fresh and unique approach to theatre making.
A Class Feeling at The Customs House is a bold, socially aware production that provides a powerful commentary on the working-class experience with a Makina twist. It’s a play that will resonate with local audiences for its authentic portrayal of life in the North East, but its themes are universal, offering an introspective look into how class impacts identity, ambition, and belonging. This production is a must-see for anyone interested in theatre that tackles social issues with nuance, empathy, and a sharp sense of regional identity.
★ ★ ★ ★
