Press

Photo: Charlie Lyne (@shot.by.charlie)

'CHOP ME UP OR LET ME GO'
- Reviews

'The show relies on strong performances by its cast who bring out each character’s distinct neuroticism and eccentricities. Alastair Coughlan’s portrayal of a dedicated (in other words: full of himself) actor on the brink of a mental breakdown is deeply funny. He wrings out the text’s clever nods to the world of drama schools, acting auditions and insufferable public personalities. His energy and grip on the character is sustained throughout, capturing the internal shift in emotions and intention as he grapples with the situation that unfolds.' 'One thing this play does extremely well is showcase the skills of lead actor Alastair Coughlan. His portrayal of egotistical kidnapped actor Thomas Reynolds dominates the performance and energises moments where the script lacks pace. He runs through his talents like a personalised showreel , most impressively being his brief piece on the violin.'
Photo: Charlie Lyne (@shot.by.charlie)
'Alastair Coughlan playing Mercutio is fantastic – the epitome of a bourgeois boarding school brat, excellently portrayed and comically brilliant. [...]  If ‘all the worlds a stage’ as Shakespeare himself says – then these are some of the finest young actors to grace it.'
- Christine Stanton, The Reviews Hub
Photo: Joe Coughlan
'During this third lockdown we had the good fortune of seeing a streamed production of Peter Morris’ play 'The Age of Consent', directed, co-produced and performed by the
talented Alastair Coughlan... Alastair describes the experience of creating a production during lockdown and founding ‘Penny Bank Productions’.'
- Nicola Chalton, Esk Valley News Magazine
Photo: Jovani Demetrie
'Newly graduated actor Alastair Coughlan, who has had to turn to live-streamed performance and move back in with his parents since coronavirus hit, says he’s hoping for an ‘explosion of creativity’ as restrictions end, and a ‘roaring twenties’ for theatregoers to enjoy.'
- Rosie Murray-West, Metro
Photo: Joe Coughlan

'Two stalwarts of Helmsley Arts Centre have produced a live play despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.'

- Karen Darley, Gazette and Herald
Photo: Toshiyuki Takano
'A YOUNG actor has secured a coveted scholarship place at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) in New York.'
- Karen Darley, York Press
'1812 Youth Theatre alumnus Alastair Coughlan returns to the arts centre to star as Idle Jack before heading to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York next year.'
- Charles Hutchinson, York Press

“I’m looking forward to meeting and working with other people to whom acting and performing are as important as they are to me, and to learning more about the craft of theatre and performance. I know it will stretch me and I will gain so much from the experience.”

- Karen Darley, Gazette and Herald