The Children's Inquiry - Southwark Playhouse - Review

LUNG’s new show, “The Children’s Inquiry,” is more than just a musical—it’s a powerful, emotional call to recognise the importance of childhood and the strength of children in care. The story might feel a bit chaotic and the blending of voices can be hard to follow, but it’s still a powerful show, mainly because of its talented young cast, aged 8 to 18. I just couldn’t take my eyes off the magic these young actors created on stage. If you think a musical about the “administrative” side of the care system could never be interesting, “The Children’s Inquiry” will change your mind.

The story follows Jelicia (Eva Philipps ), Frank (Noah Walton), Amber (Chizaram Ochuba-Okafor), and Angelica (Lineo Nomonde), teenagers trying to navigate life in the care system. We see their struggles and successes, and their determination to understand their pasts so they can build better futures. At their youth club, these stories come alive with energetic beats and bold choreography that light up the stage.

Transforming Real Interviews into a Musical

Turning real interviews into a musical isn’t easy, but the LUNG team nails it, drawing inspiration from both Broadway and top British theatre. The staging is simple—just a bare stage with chairs and clever lighting—reminded me of the excellent “The Trials” at Donmar Theatre. This minimalist setup puts the focus on the young cast, who tell the story with impressive skill. I was especially impressed by the choreography – perfectly executed, and kept the stage fully alive, despite very basic stage set.

*^{The Children’s Inquiry, photo: Alex Powell}*

The music in “The Children’s Inquiry” is surprisingly varied. There are 27 songs: hip-hop, dance, rap, and even rave music (the first scene of the 2nd act, with multiple Tony Blairs raving, was especially memorable) . It’s a fun and modern twist that makes the historical content more relatable. It’s the kind of show where you have to pay close attention so you don’t miss anything, especially because the stories constantly intertwine so it’s easy to get a bit lost.

A Century of Children’s Rights History

The musical covers over a century of children’s rights history, highlighting key moments that shaped today’s care system, all the way from year 1665. However, it sometimes feels like too much information packed into a short time, especially if you’re not familiar with the topic. The mix of modern and historical stories can be a bit confusing. I ended up reading the play’s text and looking up more details on Wikipedia after the show to fully understand the impact of each story. It all made sense then, but I’m sure some audience members might feel overwhelmed with the sheer amount of knowledge in one show.

The creative team decided to use voice recordings of various figures involved in the stories, from the Queen’s radio message during the Second World War to Margaret Thatcher and others. This made sense, as their voices are instantly recognisable. However, many voices of other heroes were also used as “playback” for actors to lip-sync, which I found awkward at times. I think having the cast deliver most of the lines themselves would make the overall experience smoother.

Children as Heroes, Adults as Politicians

In the show, the kids are the heroes, pushing for change and telling their stories. Adults are mostly portrayed as politicians more interested in reforms than in the children’s lives. The kids are survivors, taking care of their families and facing a bleak future, while the adults are shown in a negative light, either taking advantage of kids or congratulating each other in Parliament. This contrast drives home the message that children’s voices matter.

The young cast is fantastic. It’s hard to believe the youngest performer is only eight—they sing and perform with incredible clarity and emotion. Their energy is enough to perfectly deliver 27 songs, dance, move props like chairs and tables, and even provide occasional comedy moments—all in a 2.5-hour show! The lighter moments, like the start of “1953” when the TV presenter talks about “paradise” in Australia with a comedic smirk, contrast painfully with the scene’s unexpectedly dark twist at the end. Achieving this level of performance is a challenge even for older, professional actors. Hats off to the cast of “The Children’s Inquiry”!

A Groundbreaking Piece of Theatre

“The Children’s Inquiry” is a groundbreaking piece of theatre that entertains, educates, and inspires. It shows the power of verbatim theatre and the importance of listening to children. If you want a show that challenges you and makes you think long after it’s over, this is it. LUNG has created something truly special—a musical that’s about more than just entertainment; it’s about making a difference.