Miriam Battye's comedy The Virgins has arrived at London's Soho Theatre, delivering a witty and insightful exploration of teenage life that resonates with humour and heart. This production, which runs from 6 February to 7 March 2026, has been awarded four out of five stars for its compelling portrayal of adolescent neuroses and the awkward journey towards adulthood.
A Cleverly Crafted Narrative
The play unfolds within Rosie Elnile's clever set design, which divides the stage into two rooms of an unremarkable house connected by a corridor. In the lounge, Joel, played by Ragevan Vasan, silently games with his friend Mel, portrayed by Alec Boaden. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Joel's sister Chloe, brought to life by Anushka Chakravarti, and her friends Jess and Phoebe, played by Alla Bruccoleri and Molly Hewitt-Richards respectively, are meticulously planning a big night out.
The Girls Take Centre Stage
While the boys provide a backdrop, the focus remains firmly on the three teenage girls—clever, wordy, neurotic, and virgins. They approach their mission to go out and get snogged with the precision of a military operation, treating kissing and potential intimacy as objectives to be planned, accomplished, and ticked off. This meticulous planning often masks their underlying horniness, with Jess particularly struggling to vocalise her obvious crush on Joel.
The tone of the comedy draws inevitable comparisons to The Inbetweeners, though Battye's work stands on its own merits. It captures the essence of teenage anxiety with a sharp, humorous edge that feels both familiar and fresh.
Standout Performances and Direction
Molly Hewitt-Richards shines as Phoebe, whose saucer-eyed reactions to anything sexual and her habit of slipping into the lounge to stare confusedly at the boys add layers of comedy. The dynamic between the three girls is disrupted by the arrival of Anya, played by Zoe Armer. Anya, a silky assassin from the year above with unshakable confidence and a penchant for menacing Gen-Z-isms, brings a predatory edge to the group, likened to a full-grown shark among innocent little fishes.
A Shift in Tone
The play's second half takes a darker turn, moving from ha ha funny dysfunction to a more nuanced exploration of the discomfort surrounding sex and intimacy for young people. This shift, while less steady, delves into the trauma that underpins each character, ending on a note that some might find bleak or scolding. It reflects the often depressing reality of teenage intimacy viewed through adult eyes.
Theatrical Innovation
Director Jaz Woodcock-Stewart injects a theatrical shot in the arm with her innovative use of a thunderously loud orchestra recording and blackouts. These elements, deployed at the end of scenes, during scenes, and even mid-sentence, transform banal conversations into ludicrously heightened melodrama—perfectly capturing the exaggerated emotions of teenage life.
Woodcock-Stewart's direction maintains a naturalistic flow while smartly gauging the overlapping action in the two rooms, ensuring the audience can follow without confusion. Battye's experience writing for TV is evident in the play's concise and accessible structure, making it a perfect fit for the comedy Mecca that is Soho Theatre.
Practical Details
Address: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, London, W1D 3NE
Transport: Tube: Tottenham Court Rd
Price: £14-£30
Running Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
The play offers multiple performances, including evening shows and matinees, providing ample opportunity for audiences to experience this rising talent-stacked production. Whether you're reminiscing about your own teenage years or simply seeking a night of laughter and reflection, The Virgins promises to deliver a memorable theatrical experience.
