IN A real change of pace, RAODS Youth has chosen a play about drugs and gangs as its very first drama production.

Centring on gang leader Sonia as she wakes up in hospital following a run-in with drug dealer Spider, the play follows her epiphany as she reviews how she wishes to live her life and the impact her decisions have on others.

With good use of music, sound and lighting, the production made a virtue of the intimate Green Room Studio space.

Director Julie Edwards proved an excellent interpreter of the material, drawing out subtleties of the text and choreographing the action with flair.

The production was a good ensemble effort, with strong characterisation and some notable performances. There were a few first-night hesitations, but the pace and flow of the action will undoubtedly bed down nicely with successive performances.