Class: Volume One 1.1 - Gifted by Roy Gill (REVIEW)

Class: Volume One 1.1 - Gifted by Roy Gill (REVIEW)

Reviewed by Ted Ryan

Clarification: This is an in-depth review of the story and may contain spoilers. You have been warned.

This story was definitely one of my favourites and had a dark fairy-tale feel to it. Focused primarily on April and Ram, I believe this play is set between episodes 3 and 4 of season one, which shows a much more steady and innocent side to their developing relationship. While Ram struggles with his football skills and confidence because of his previous injury, April befriends new student Tom and all three are drawn into the formidable clutches of Mab whose "gifts" come at a deadly and sinister price.

It was refreshing to hear a story where Ram and April were so comfortable with each other, but also to have an episode that focuses on their individual passions (Ram with his football and April with her folk music) and that is something they both have in common. Roy Gill drew inspiration from the mythology of Mab (who of course plays the main antagonist) and the previous stories of her appearance are also referenced such as Shakespeare - most noticeably and what plays a clever narrative arc throughout is the folklore ballad of Tam Lin, which plays into the character of Thomas. As Mab plays on the darker and more vulnerable sides of April and Ram's fears, April is determined to save Ram and begins to confront her growing feelings for him.

The writing for this script was truly spectacular, not only does Roy Gill capture the voice and dynamics of the characters perfectly he also takes a well-known folklore and creates a sinister and manipulative alien antagonist which fits well into the world of Class.

The cast were absolutely brilliant in their voice performances - Sophie Hopkins and Fady Elsayed return to their roles with ease, capturing the darker emotional elements of their characters but also a lighthearted and sweeter side which compliments their characters. Alongside Elsayed and Hopkins, Rhys Isaac-Jones makes his Big Finish debut and was great as Thomas, his performance was so natural and he did an excellent job at portraying the complexity of his character. Finally Deirdre Mullins shines as the alien-goddess Mabs, her performance was perfectly villainous in her performance and the subtly in her acting made Mabs seem all the more threatening.

This was a great start to the new Class box sets, which has everything you'd want in a compelling story - great writing, strong characters, a believable love story and a truly evil villain.