Yen, Royal Court Theatre

Yen London transfer
After a creating a buzz at its Manchester Royal Exchange premiere with a stream of superlative reviews, Yen transfers to the Royal Court's intimate Jerwood Theatre Upstairs.

A hit for Anna Jordan: Yen play summary
Critics were in raptures over up-and-coming Playwright Anna Jourdan's 'dynamic' writing, that deftly encompasses emotional extremes and a brutal but absorbing narrative that exceeds initial expectations.

Brothers Hench, 16, and Bobbie, 13, and Taliban the dog are left in impoverished squalor to fend for themselves. Their mother returns sporadically, in no fit state to care for herself or her sons. But then their cycle of gaming and porn is interrupted by the arrival of Jenny, who brings tenderness to the brothers' violent lives.

Director Ned Bennett brought out a palpable tension with a dark, affecting production, which is well suited to the small capacity Jerwood Upstairs Theatre. And, with actors Alex Austin, Sian Breckin, Jake Davies and Annes Alwy, who received unanimous praise for the Manchester Royal Exchange run, reprising their roles, expect the same surge of jubilant reviews for Yen at the Royal Court. Book now to avoid disappointment: this small theatre sells out fast.