Exploring Laura Wade's Posh: A Modern Masterpiece of Contemporary British Theatre

Laura Wade's Posh, first staged at the Royal Court Theatre in 2010, is a groundbreaking play that has left an indelible mark on contemporary British theatre. With its sharp wit, incisive social commentary, and unforgettable characters, Posh has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and the Fringe First Award.

Posh (Modern Plays)

by Laura Wade

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
Paperback	:	218 pages
Item Weight	:	10.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.06 x 0.5 x 7.81 inches
File size	:	1180 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	143 pages

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Wade's play delves into the complex and often contradictory world of privilege and identity in modern Britain. Through the lens of a group of young and ambitious Oxford undergraduates, Posh explores themes of class, inequality, and the pervasive influence of the British establishment.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Posh, examining its themes, characters, key moments, and its lasting impact on contemporary theatre.

Themes

At its core, Posh is a play about class and privilege. Wade exposes the deep-rooted inequalities that persist in British society, particularly within the elite institutions that shape the country's future leaders.

The play explores how class and privilege shape individual identity and opportunity. The characters in Posh come from vastly different backgrounds, and their experiences and aspirations are shaped by the social hierarchies they occupy.

Posh also examines the complex relationship between personal ambition and social responsibility. The characters are driven by their desire to succeed, but they must grapple with the consequences of their actions and the impact they have on others.

Characters

The characters in Posh are as diverse and complex as the play's themes. Each character represents a different facet of British society, and their interactions reveal the tensions and conflicts that shape the nation.

• Roxy: A working-class student from a northern town, Roxy is fiercely intelligent and determined to succeed. However, she faces prejudice and condescension from her more privileged peers.
• Guy: A wealthy and ambitious student from a public school, Guy is the epitome of the British establishment. He is confident, charming, and ruthless in his pursuit of power.
• Harriet: A middle-class student from a well-educated family, Harriet is torn between her desire to fit in and her own moral compass. She is drawn to Guy's charisma, but she is also aware of his flaws.
• Ed: A shy and introverted student, Ed is a keen observer of his peers. He is often underestimated, but his insights into the group dynamics are invaluable.

Key Moments

Posh is filled with powerful and memorable moments that explore the play's themes and characters in depth.

• The dinner party: In a pivotal scene, the characters gather for a dinner party at Guy's family home. The conversation quickly turns heated as class tensions rise to the surface.
• The suicide: The play takes a tragic turn when one of the characters commits suicide. This event forces the remaining characters to confront their own complicity in the young man's death.
• The trial: In a climactic scene, the characters are put on trial for their involvement in the suicide. The trial exposes the hypocrisy and corruption that lies at the heart of British society.

Impact

Posh has had a profound impact on contemporary British theatre. The play's success has helped to raise awareness of class inequality and the challenges faced by working-class students in higher education.

Posh has also inspired a number of other plays and productions that explore similar themes. The play's influence can be seen in the work of playwrights such as Mike Bartlett, April de Angelis, and Roy Williams.

Posh has also been praised for its realism and authenticity. Wade's characters are drawn from real life, and the play's dialogue is often both funny and heartbreaking.

Laura Wade's Posh is a powerful and thought-provoking play that offers a unique insight into the complex and contradictory world of modern Britain. The play's themes of class, privilege, and identity are still relevant today, and its characters continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Posh is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary British theatre. It is a play that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

Additional Resources

• Royal Court Theatre: Posh
• Olivier Awards: Posh
• National Theatre: Posh
• The Guardian: Posh review
• The Telegraph: Posh review