Work, But This Time Like You Meant It, Canberra Youth Theatre, directed by Luke Rogers. At the Courtyard Studio, until  September 29. Reviewed by ARNE SJOSTEDT.

Everyone remembers their first job. It might not have been the most glamorous of affairs, but it’s the one that introduces you to the world of giving up your freedom and maybe your identity.

It might not all be that bad. Some of it may be fun, you might meet people you connect with, learn important lessons, have life experiences. Though you might also find yourself working harder than you ever have before in a repetitive, perhaps exploitative, seemingly thankless environment.

Set inside a fast-food chicken chain, playwright Honor Webster-Mannison and the Canberra Youth Theatre production team successfully create a youthful, stress-filled, fast-paced world. The cast and crew serve up the incessantly hectic, not quite in control state seen inside fast-food chains, when orders rush in and people try and glue together to keep the food rolling out.

This was innovatively abetted by Ethan Hamill’s video design, and a two-level stage designed by Kathleen Kershaw, connected by a long ramp that let actors walk, slide and roll between levels.

The play is a madcap, skit-like experience full of joyful comedy that gives cast an opportunity to let their hair down and get a little random.

With the obligatory register, drive-through and kitchen staff, a new starter, stressed-out shift manager and a friend who just always seems to be hanging about – Work, But This Time Like You Meant It,Work was not afraid to turn things inside out and upside down.

Once this play made it clear it wasn’t going to follow the rules, there was little choice but to go with it – and let its cast take you on a journey. And it felt about as good as a cheeky bit of fried chicken you weren’t planning on eating, but somehow seemed to hit the spot.

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