REVIEW: Vernon God Little, The New Wolsey Young Company, The New Wolsey Studio, St George’s Street, Ipswich, to April 21.

Funny, moving, thought-provoking; the 14-strong cast of 16-21-year-olds delivered one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

Tanya Ronder’s adaptation of DBC Pierre’s bestselling novel is the blackest of black comedies. It follows 15-year-old Vernon whose best friend Jesus Navarro shoots 16 of their classmates before turning the gun on himself. The townsfolk want revenge and Vernon soon finds himself in the police and media’s crosshairs.

It’s not always an easy watch.

The characters are as colourful as the language and there are lots of them to keep track of, with several of the cast playing multiple roles.

There is lots going on too as the story, like Vernon’s life, takes surprising turn after turn; keeping you on your toes. One minute you’re roaring with laughter, a split second later you’re wracked with emotion.

Never mind the 20 or so songs performed - brilliantly - throughout the show.

It all works superbly thanks to the amazing performances. The whole cast were so good I actually feel bad singling anybody out.

However, Joe Reed as Vernon was breathtaking and Jack Tricker as his haunting companion Jesus conveyed so much pain just through song it made the other performances all the more real.

WAYNE SAVAGE