Ad - this is an advert for March 2025. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. We were provided with press tickets to watch this show - all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Mortal Fools is an award-winning theatre, drama and creative arts company based in Northumberland. They work with children and young people across various programmes and projects.
We are big fans and were very much looking forward to Mortal Fools' Ensemble presenting Brainstorm which is visiting venues across North East England this Spring.
Brainstorm is a fast-paced exploration of the imperfectly perfect teenage brain, told by 10 talented young performers going through the highs and lows of the teen experience right now.
Using a script developed by Ned Glasier, Emily Lim, and Company Three, in collaboration with neuroscientists, Brainstorm includes brand-new devised content from the cast and creative team.
Performed by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.
Brainstorm is Unmissable
Short Review
Brainstorm is a production for young people aged 11+ & adults who are interested in learning more about why teenagers act the way they do. Audiences are taken on a whirlwind tour around the teenage brain and discover why teens act the way they do and why they are so unique.
It's hilarious and you'll be nodding along and thinking, I'm so pleased this isn't the only family this happens to. The bit where the young people act out their parents on stage is particularly funny, their mannerisms are spot on.
Alongside the (many) laughs, it's poignant with touching moments and conversations about some of the more difficult aspects of their brain teenagers have to contend with.
There's a little bit of science too and we learn the science behind teenage brains and how the way they are formed can impact the decisions they make.
The room erupted into applause and we were all on their feet at the end - I think Brainstorm spoke to each and every one of us. It's the most relatable production I've ever watched and so refreshing to see something like this which puts young people at the heart. My teens enjoyed it too and were texting their friends about it on the way home which is always a good sign.
There are a few swears which add to the authenticity of it all and aren't just thrown in to be 'cool'.
If you're looking for something to book with a teenager over the Easter hols, Brainstorm will hit the spot and I promise, both you and your teen will enjoy this and it may just open the doors to better communication too.
Upcoming dates to book now:
- Sunday 13 April (7pm) at Gosforth Civic Theatre (BSL interpreted)
- Monday 14 April (7pm) at Gosforth Civic Theatre
- Wednesday 16 April (7:30pm) at Arts Centre Washington
Tickets are priced between £6 and £8.
Find out more and book: https://www.mortalfools.org.uk/brainstorm-2025.html
Longer Review
Brainstorm is a production for young people aged 11+ & adults who are interested in learning more about why teenagers act the way they do. Audiences are taken on a whirlwind tour around the teenage brain and discover why teens act the way they do and why they are so unique.
It's hilarious and you'll be nodding along and thinking, I'm so pleased this isn't the only family this happens to. The bit where the young people act out their parents on stage is particularly funny, their mannerisms are spot on.
Alongside the (many) laughs, it's poignant with touching moments and conversations about some of the more difficult aspects of their brain teenagers have to contend with.
There's a little bit of science too and we learn the science behind teenage brains and how the way they are formed can impact the decisions they make.
The room erupted into applause and we were all on their feet at the end - I think Brainstorm spoke to each and every one of us. It's the most relatable production I've ever watched and so refreshing to see something like this which puts young people at the heart. My teens enjoyed it too and were texting their friends about it on the way home which is always a good sign.
There are a few swears which add to the authenticity of it all and aren't just thrown in to be 'cool'.
If you're looking for something to book with a teenager over the Easter hols, Brainstorm will hit the spot and I promise, both you and your teen will enjoy this and it may just open the doors to better communication too.
Upcoming dates to book now:
- Sunday 13 April (7pm) at Gosforth Civic Theatre (BSL interpreted)
- Monday 14 April (7pm) at Gosforth Civic Theatre
- Wednesday 16 April (7:30pm) at Arts Centre Washington
Find out more and book: https://www.mortalfools.org.uk/brainstorm-2025.html
Brainstorm is presented by a cast of 10 young people from Ashington and the wider North East. It's aimed at ages 11+, teens and parents/carers/those who work with or even just know young people.
The production lasts around 75 minutes and is a deep dive into the teenage brain. The audience will discover what it's actually like inside a teenage brain, how it works and there's a little insight (based on real science) into why teenagers behave the way they do.
Honestly, it is the most relatable production I have ever watched.
I don't even know if I can put into words how much Brainstorm spoke to me as a mam of three teens but I will try.
I nodded along as the young people on stage gave us a guided tour of their 'bedrooms' and provided an insight into why it was their safe space.
Descriptions of Billie Eilish posters on the wall that CANNOT be touched, ghost dolls lined up on the floor, the pile of bags that aren't good enough to be hung up, leftover stains from exploding pop bottles and even little pet spiders that live in the corner. It really brought living as a teenager from their perspective to life.
We cried with laughter as the young people on stage transformed into their parents attending a party - the dad with his own dry wall company had me howling and the mundane chat between our generation really was jarring with how young people act and communicate with each other. Why we act so differently is all explained and there's a little bit of real science sprinkled in too.
The highs of teen life - their creativity, spontaneity, risk taking, trying new things, the positive impact of mobile phones, their friendships, how individual they are is all explored on stage.
As well as the lows too - how it can all feel overwhelming, the way older people treat teens at times, how parents can think their way is the only and best way, the inner voices saying you're not good enough, panic attacks and how it's often easier to just keep things to yourself.
Brainstorm is a really dynamic production with fantastic use of the stage and effects - we see mobile phone text messages brought to life on a giant phone. My heart genuinely sunk when a young person on stage typed out a full message about how they were feeling on stage but then deleted it and sent a standard reply (to both their friends and mum) instead. Ah how much must this happen in real life?
There's a lovely scene which highlights how individual teen brains are where each cast member presses a light if they agree with a statement - it's visually powerful.
And the chaos of a teen mind is conveyed with powerful and fast paced music and movement alongside calmer moments where teens just need to chill on their bed and scroll their phone.
As a parent of teens, the different parenting styles played out on stage were all familiar to me - the overbearing parent who doesn't give their teen space to make their own choices, the parent that's always on their phone, the parent who has lots of their own issues to deal with, the parent who wants their teen to open up but doesn't know how to start the conversation, the parent who is just 'there' for their teen and doesn't try and provide advice and the parent who cannot say sorry / admit they were wrong.
I did like that the continous message from the young people on stage who helped to develop this production that despite us not always seeing eye to eye, they all know their parents are trying their best and can see the good in them too. There's a fair bit of discussion about the boundaries we should keep with our teens which was certainly food for thought.
There are some extremely poignant moments too and you might need your tissues. The bit that got me was instead of talking about how they felt, a young person just said everything was fine over dinner, finished their tea, put their dishes in the sink and then went back up to their room. When really they weren't fine at all.
My review so far has been told from a parent's perspective. I watched this with Dee (16) and Jack (14).
Jack isn't a huge theatre fan but really enjoyed Brainstorm. He said it wasn't cringe and was really funny, especially the parts where the cast were impersonating their parents. There's one bit where the dad in one of the families kept sorting the washing out wrong and giving people the wrong clothes and then complaining when his clothes go missing. This happens ALL of the time in our house and we had a good chuckle about it together.
Dee is already a big Mortal Fools fan and she really enjoyed it too - in fact she was texting her friends about it afterwards. Brainstorm is one of those productions that will speak to everyone in the audience.
You can really tell that Brainstorm has been created with young people at the heart. The language used, the body language, the way teens behave - it's all completely spot on and I feel as like the scenes played out on stage could have actually been filmed inside our house with a secret camera.
There are quite a few swears to keep it authentic.
The young performers are absolutely incredible. Brainstorm is a super professional production with a tech team providing proper lighting and sound.
I don't want to come across as condescending when I say this but I was in awe - especially with the longer monologues and how open and vulnerable some of the young actors were on stage. This vulnerability really connected with the audience though and their courage definitely pays off.
The characters on stage are a mix of the cast's own experiences with a bit of creative license and you really get a feel for their personalities.
At the start of the production, you're asked to look at the young people on stage. You're asked who you would ask for help, who you wouldn't want to sit next to and if you know what they are thinking. Unfortunately, if you're like me, your mind may make assumptions.
But by the end, I'm sure you'll be thinking a little differently. I know I was and although I see myself as somebody who thinks of teenagers as positive additions to society, I did question my own prejudices here.
The production lasts around 75 minutes and is a deep dive into the teenage brain. The audience will discover what it's actually like inside a teenage brain, how it works and there's a little insight (based on real science) into why teenagers behave the way they do.
Honestly, it is the most relatable production I have ever watched.
I don't even know if I can put into words how much Brainstorm spoke to me as a mam of three teens but I will try.
I nodded along as the young people on stage gave us a guided tour of their 'bedrooms' and provided an insight into why it was their safe space.
Descriptions of Billie Eilish posters on the wall that CANNOT be touched, ghost dolls lined up on the floor, the pile of bags that aren't good enough to be hung up, leftover stains from exploding pop bottles and even little pet spiders that live in the corner. It really brought living as a teenager from their perspective to life.
We cried with laughter as the young people on stage transformed into their parents attending a party - the dad with his own dry wall company had me howling and the mundane chat between our generation really was jarring with how young people act and communicate with each other. Why we act so differently is all explained and there's a little bit of real science sprinkled in too.
The highs of teen life - their creativity, spontaneity, risk taking, trying new things, the positive impact of mobile phones, their friendships, how individual they are is all explored on stage.
As well as the lows too - how it can all feel overwhelming, the way older people treat teens at times, how parents can think their way is the only and best way, the inner voices saying you're not good enough, panic attacks and how it's often easier to just keep things to yourself.
Brainstorm is a really dynamic production with fantastic use of the stage and effects - we see mobile phone text messages brought to life on a giant phone. My heart genuinely sunk when a young person on stage typed out a full message about how they were feeling on stage but then deleted it and sent a standard reply (to both their friends and mum) instead. Ah how much must this happen in real life?
There's a lovely scene which highlights how individual teen brains are where each cast member presses a light if they agree with a statement - it's visually powerful.
And the chaos of a teen mind is conveyed with powerful and fast paced music and movement alongside calmer moments where teens just need to chill on their bed and scroll their phone.
 |
| A standing ovation for Brainstorm's opening night |
As a parent of teens, the different parenting styles played out on stage were all familiar to me - the overbearing parent who doesn't give their teen space to make their own choices, the parent that's always on their phone, the parent who has lots of their own issues to deal with, the parent who wants their teen to open up but doesn't know how to start the conversation, the parent who is just 'there' for their teen and doesn't try and provide advice and the parent who cannot say sorry / admit they were wrong.
I did like that the continous message from the young people on stage who helped to develop this production that despite us not always seeing eye to eye, they all know their parents are trying their best and can see the good in them too. There's a fair bit of discussion about the boundaries we should keep with our teens which was certainly food for thought.
There are some extremely poignant moments too and you might need your tissues. The bit that got me was instead of talking about how they felt, a young person just said everything was fine over dinner, finished their tea, put their dishes in the sink and then went back up to their room. When really they weren't fine at all.
My review so far has been told from a parent's perspective. I watched this with Dee (16) and Jack (14).
Jack isn't a huge theatre fan but really enjoyed Brainstorm. He said it wasn't cringe and was really funny, especially the parts where the cast were impersonating their parents. There's one bit where the dad in one of the families kept sorting the washing out wrong and giving people the wrong clothes and then complaining when his clothes go missing. This happens ALL of the time in our house and we had a good chuckle about it together.
Dee is already a big Mortal Fools fan and she really enjoyed it too - in fact she was texting her friends about it afterwards. Brainstorm is one of those productions that will speak to everyone in the audience.
You can really tell that Brainstorm has been created with young people at the heart. The language used, the body language, the way teens behave - it's all completely spot on and I feel as like the scenes played out on stage could have actually been filmed inside our house with a secret camera.
There are quite a few swears to keep it authentic.
The young performers are absolutely incredible. Brainstorm is a super professional production with a tech team providing proper lighting and sound.
I don't want to come across as condescending when I say this but I was in awe - especially with the longer monologues and how open and vulnerable some of the young actors were on stage. This vulnerability really connected with the audience though and their courage definitely pays off.
The characters on stage are a mix of the cast's own experiences with a bit of creative license and you really get a feel for their personalities.
At the start of the production, you're asked to look at the young people on stage. You're asked who you would ask for help, who you wouldn't want to sit next to and if you know what they are thinking. Unfortunately, if you're like me, your mind may make assumptions.
But by the end, I'm sure you'll be thinking a little differently. I know I was and although I see myself as somebody who thinks of teenagers as positive additions to society, I did question my own prejudices here.
There's a bit of audience participation - don't worry, nothing is forced. At the start, if you'd like to, you can write a message to your younger-self about what you don't know yet. A few are selected to be read out on stage and Steve's raised a bit of a laugh ' You don't know it yet, but Newcastle will win the cup'.
There are some more poignant messages though and the whole exercise really feels like a shared experience between the audience, cast and each other and brings the whole thing together nicely.
There's a giant game of 'Never Have I Ever' too - again, you don't need to take part. It's really interesting though and is designed to show how maybe once, the adults in the room behaved like teenagers and took risks too.
I was left with mixed feelings at the end. I did feel like I had a much better understanding of teenage brains and why they sometimes act the way they do (especially the risk taking aspect) and I had a better appreciation of how unique young people are and how this is truly a special time in their lives where their brains are working in overdrive and the world literally is their oyster. And how this must be SO overwhelming at times.
I already try to parent like this at some extent but there is a theme of how we should let teenagers make their own choices (even if we feel it's a mistake) and take their own path in life rather than the one we want them to take. This was definitely reinforced for me.
However I did also leave feeling like I could do more when it comes to understanding and communicating with young people and Brainstorm has given me lots to think about. It was a genuine learning experience for me which will hopefully lead to better understanding and communicating in our household going forward.
I do also feel like Dee and Jack felt 'seen' by Brainstorm and like we now have a better understanding of them too which can only be a good thing.
Upcoming dates to book now:
I was left with mixed feelings at the end. I did feel like I had a much better understanding of teenage brains and why they sometimes act the way they do (especially the risk taking aspect) and I had a better appreciation of how unique young people are and how this is truly a special time in their lives where their brains are working in overdrive and the world literally is their oyster. And how this must be SO overwhelming at times.
I already try to parent like this at some extent but there is a theme of how we should let teenagers make their own choices (even if we feel it's a mistake) and take their own path in life rather than the one we want them to take. This was definitely reinforced for me.
However I did also leave feeling like I could do more when it comes to understanding and communicating with young people and Brainstorm has given me lots to think about. It was a genuine learning experience for me which will hopefully lead to better understanding and communicating in our household going forward.
I do also feel like Dee and Jack felt 'seen' by Brainstorm and like we now have a better understanding of them too which can only be a good thing.
Upcoming dates to book now:
- Sunday 13 April (7pm) at Gosforth Civic Theatre (BSL interpreted)
- Monday 14 April (7pm) at Gosforth Civic Theatre
- Wednesday 16 April (7:30pm) at Arts Centre Washington
Tickets are priced between £6 and £8.
Find out more and book: https://www.mortalfools.org.uk/brainstorm-2025.html
Just to let you know, Mortal Fools always go the extra mile to ensure their performances are accessible to all. A few points:
Find out more and book: https://www.mortalfools.org.uk/brainstorm-2025.html
Accessibility / Need to Know
Just to let you know, Mortal Fools always go the extra mile to ensure their performances are accessible to all. A few points:
- All venues are accessible with step-free access and on site / close by parking
- All venues have accessible toilets and an allocated gender neutral toilet
- Free carer tickets available (email Rachel.Horton@mortalfools.org.uk to book)
- Wheelchair spaces available at all venues (email Rachel.Horton@mortalfools.org.uk to book)
- Wellbeing resources and fidget toys available during the show
- The performance lasts around 75 minutes with no interval
- Every performance is relaxed - don't worry at all if you need to leave for a bit / pop to the loo etc....
- A 'What to Expect' programme is emailed to you before the performance and you can read a printed script before the performance if you'd find this usueful
- BSL interpreted show on Sun 13 April
On a personal note, I've always found every member of the Mortal Fools family to be so friendly, open, non-judgemental and helpful. If there's anything you need, I know they'll do their best to help.
I think Brainstorm deserves to win loads of awards and I hope it does. A huge well done to all involved.
I think Brainstorm deserves to win loads of awards and I hope it does. A huge well done to all involved.
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