Framed around life in the 1980's under Margaret Thatcher, England & Son is a gritty, some times hard to watch portrayal of a young mans journey under a violent but sometimes warm father figure.  Mark Thomas takes the observer on a one man roller coaster of emotion, delivering every line with passion to the sometimes shocked and unexpecting audience.  With tales of his ex army father, domestic violence and broken family, Thomas led us through a turbulent childhood to the gaining of expertise in robbing the wealthy via the bible of expensive antiquities.  The monologue is powerful, as is the remarkable control and recklessness that Thomas portrays our cockney youngster.  Stories of prison and abuse are abundant but there is still so much vulnerability in the performance that makes you want to take him out of the helplessness and into a life of peace.  

Whilst the piece is set in England, it could take place anywhere.  So much youth in that period was subjected to poverty, abuse and role models that led them to crime.  In modern society these issues still exist and there are many unfortunately, that could relate to current stories of abuse and criminal role models that take our youth into crime, mental and physical abuse.  

Ed Edwards and Mark Thomas have indeed highlighted the need to care and nurture our young who just want to have a chance to thrive.  An amazing physical performance that was both thought provoking and powerful.