Punk Rock
by Simon Stephens

Name: Punk Rock
Brand: Simon Stephens
SKU: 9781408126363
Rating: 3.65 (501 reviews)

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

British

What readers are saying

Readers have mixed feelings about the play, with some praising its timely themes and sharp dialogue, while others criticize its portrayal of teenagers and abrupt climax. Many enjoy the exploration of intense adolescent issues, finding it relatable and poignant, yet some express dissatisfaction with character development and perceived sensationalism. Overall, it seems to evoke strong reactions, both positive and negative, reflecting its complex nature.

Timely and poignant themesEngaging dialogueUnexpected and shocking endingCharacters could be better developedAbrupt climaxPortrayal of teens criticized

Synopsis

Everything human beings do finishes up bad in the end.

Everything good human beings ever make is built on something monstrous.

Nothing lasts.

We certainly won't...'

Based on his experience as a teacher, Stephens describes his play as 'The History Boys on crack'.

It explores the underlying tensions and potential violence in a group of affluent, articulate seventeen year old students.

Contemporary and unnerving, with elements of The Catcher in the Rye, Punk Rock follows the story of seven sixth-formers as they face up to the pressures of teenage life, while preparing for their mock A-level exams and trying to get into Oxbridge.

They are a group of educated, intelligent and aspirational young people but step-by-step, the dislocation, disjunction and latent violence simmering under the surface of prosperity is revealed.