Budding actors from St Marys University of Minnesota are performing Eric Bogosians Suburbia at Wimbledon Studio Theatre, writes Yvonne Gordon.

The pace is vibrant and fast with tension gradually building up as three schoolfriends share their aspirations and broken dreams in a backyard somewhere in middle America.

Depicting the darker side of the American Dream, the actors successfully convey not just material deprivation but emotional and spiritual self-neglect. The youngsters channel their undirected energy into drinking, getting high and eating pizza. Their wasted lifestyle is all the more highlighted by the gentle-single-minded philosophy of the Pakistani owner of the mini-market, in whose yard they hang out. As an immigrant who does not take his freedoms for granted, he is studying part-time for a engineering degree while saving enough money to eke out a reasonable existence which confronts them with their own frustration, which they take out on him.

Another spanner in the works arrives in the appearance of a former member of the gang who has become a successful musician. He is besotted by his own dreams and caught up in the noose of his own success. Hidden frustrations come to the surface and are convincingly and grippingly expressed by the cast, whose angst is almost tangible. Emotional conflict develops into physical violence and dreams, lies and loves are exposed in one day and night which will change their lives for ever.

This dynamic and disturbing production will have you on the edge of your seats. Catch it until Saturday, October 27 at 7.30pm.

For tickets, priced at £8, £5.50 concessions, call 020 8540 0362.