REVIEW: Chewing Gum Dreams at Theatre503 until 17 October 2026

‘a modern classic’ ★★★★ ½

Chewing gum starts off sweet, but it gets tougher as you chew it. The show immediately brings us into the bright, high-energy world of 14-year-old Tracey. It feels joyful and even adorable, but often without warning, the play reveals the darker ways in which race, sex and class shape her life.

Lauryn Ajufo completely convinces us that Tracey is fourteen. Her performance is lively, funny and remarkably versatile. She fills the room with Tracey’s restless energy, while switching between the different people with ease. Then, in a split second, she shifts into a moment of realisation as Tracey begins to see the darker realities around her.

What shines most in Anthony Simpson-Pike’s direction is the handling of these subtle changes. He allows the darkness to emerge gradually from the same world that has just made us laugh. Nothing is overstated. Coel’s writing is alive, rhythmic and so real. It still feels immediate, giving us an insight into lives that, as the director has mentioned, we do not often see on our stages.

The creative elements work together harmoniously: Xana’s sound design is subtle but effective, while the grey set provides a sharp contrast to Tracey’s colourful personality.

The show lasts only an hour, but it is packed with humour and emotional turns, keeping the audience engaged. It moves quickly but still gives us enough space to absorb the confusion Tracey is going through.

This is the first major UK revival of Chewing Gum Dreams, which premiered in 2012. Theatre503, a venue known for championing debut writers, brings Coel’s own debut play back to the stage and presents it as the modern classic it has become.

Read LPTM interview with director Anthony Simpson-Pike here

Chewing Gum Dreams

10 Sep - 17 Oct 2026

Written by Michaela Coel

Performed by Lauryn Ajufo

Directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike

SOLD OUT

Returns only https://theatre503.com/whats-on/chewing-gum-dreams/

Photography credit: Ikin Yum