Citizenship, Eastleigh Borough Youth Theatre, The Point, Eastleigh

THIS is youth comedy at its best.

The play abounds with sparkling dialogue, performed with panache and timing by the whole cast.

The tension on centre stage is enhanced by off-stage players holding static postures around the perimeter.

Director Daniel Clarke and designer Justine Bartle omit no detail. Even moving the boxes used as stage props is undertaken with style.

Seemingly, because of a dream, 15-year-old Tom seeks to identify his sexual orientation, but there is far more to this play in which ideas about relationships, choices, love and sex are either acted out or rejected.

Undoubtedly the character of Tom is a challenge to perform creditably, as he must connect with both sides in his sexual dilemma.

Matt Baker fulfils this role with a dexterity which is balanced by Roxy Dunn and David Gale, who as Amy and Gary emerge as wellrounded individuals to Tom's exclusion.

A superb entry for the NT Shell Connections competition.