It’s a hackneyed phrase, “never been more relevant”, yet it’s true of Lord of the Flies, William Golding’s 1954 novel about the tension between civility and chaos.

With the world currently slipping into might-is-right tribalism, selfishness and ignorance, the British writer’s dystopian tale feels disturbingly resonant as it unfolds in this new Theatre Works production.

With Nigel Williams’s 1995 adapted stageplay, a committed, accomplished cast of 11 young actors, and humble but effective stagecraft, director Steven Mitchell Wright reinvigorates this school reading list staple with the electric immediacy of good theatre.

Sean Yuen Halley and company in Lord of the Flies. Photo © Matthew Chen

A dark, realist inversion of 1857 children’s adventure novel The Coral Island, Lord of the Fliessees several schoolboys marooned after their plane crashes. Ralph, who they elect “chief”, and intelligent, bespectacled Piggy try to bring order and hope to their situation.

However, as Jack’s self-importance becomes megalomania, most of the boys join him in hunting pigs, obsessing over a mysterious “beast” and mindless, reactionary behaviour that turns deadly.

Over nearly three hours (including interval), we...