Shakespeare’s Globe have announced today that Matthew Dunster has been appointed as associate director.

He joins Emma Rice as she begins her role as artistic director designate, officially taking over from current artistic director Dominic Dromgoole on 23 April 2016.

Dunster is an Olivier-nominated director and playwright whose world première production of Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen recently transferred from the Royal Court to the West End. His directorial credits for the Globe include The Frontline and Dr Faustus whilst other credits include Love’s Sacrifice (RSC) and The Seagull (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).

As a writer, his credits include Children’s Children (Almeida) and You Can See The Hills at the Royal Exchange and the Young Vic.

Commenting on the post, Emma Rice said: “Matthew Dunster is not only one of the best directors in the country, but also an artist of great knowledge, integrity and generosity. Beloved by staff, actors and audiences alike, he is a thrilling appointment and I look forward to the many adventures we will have as we open this next chapter for Shakespeare’s Globe.”

A brand new production of Rona Munro’s adaptation of Watership Down will feature in the inaugural programme from new artistic director Paul Hart, as well as a new production of Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet.

The season opens on February 25 with Romeo and Juliet, staged in collaboration with the National Youth Theatre. The show will be staged in the round with live music and will be set in a bar. Hart will direct the show, which will feature an ensemble of young actors.

Craig Taylor’s One Million Tiny Plays About Britain will run from 12 April then on 5 May a new production of Alan Bennett’s double bill Untold Stories will open.

Watership Down, which is a stage adaptation of Richard Adams’ adventure novel about a group of rabbits, will run from 16 June 2016.

Paul Hart commented: “The programme represents just a taste of the broad scope of work I hope to present to audiences over time, a mixture of classics, new writing, great rediscoveries and new adaptations. I’m particularly excited to introduce audiences to the next generation of young talent, particularly in Romeo and Julietwhich we are working on in collaboration with The National Youth Theatre.”

Hart has taken over as artistic director and chief executive from Hedda Beeby, who stepped down after eight years in the role.

Booking for friends opens today, and public booking for the season opens on Monday.

Casting has been announced for Curve’s productions of Roald Dahl’s The Witches and Lionel Bart’s classic musical, Oliver!, which both open at the Leicester theatre in December.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers actress Laura Pitt-Pulford and The Bill star, Cat Simmons, are due to share the role of Nancy in Paul Kerryson’s production of Oliver!.

Simmons will play Nancy for the majority of the show’s run from 27 November to 2 January, with Pitt-Pulford taking over for all performances until 16 January.

The title role of Oliver will be shared by Liam Carr and Albert Hart whilst Joel Fossard-Jones and Kwame Kandekore will both play the Artful Dodger.

Sweeney Todd actor Peter Polycarpou will star as Fagin alongside Oliver Boot as Bill Sikes, Jenna Boyd (Widow Corney), James Gant (Mr Bumble), John Griffiths (Mr Brownlow), Natalie Moore-Williams (Mrs Sowerberry and Mrs Bedwin), Lucy Thomas (Bet) and Jez Unwin (Mr Sowerberry and Grimwig).

The cast will be completed by Cassie Clare, Jaye Elster, Ross Lee Fowkes, Ryan Gover, Ian Gareth-Jones, Emma Harrold, Tim Hodges, Bethany Linsdell, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, Louis Stockil and Dickie Wood.

Additionally, Nikolai Foster directs David Wood’s adaptation of The Witches from 16 December to 10 January.

The cast will feature Sarah Ingram (See What I Wanna See, Annie) as the Grand High Witch, Fox Jackson-Keen (Billy Elliot) as Boy, Karen Mann (Alice in Wonderland) as Grandma, Sioned Saunders (Calamity Jane) as Witch, Kieran Urquhart (Scuttlers) as Bruno, Elexi Walker (The Jungle Book) as Mrs Jenkins and Justin Wilman (The Kreutzer Sonata) as Mr Jenkins.

The show, a co-production with The Rose Theatre Kingston, will embark on a national tour in spring 2016.

In a joint statement, Chris Stafford and Nikolai Foster said: “It is with great pride we present two British classics on our stages this winter. We are thrilled to welcome these incredibly talented acting companies and creative teams to our city and, in a first for Curve, The Witches will open in Hong Kong whilst Oliver! premieres in our home town.”

WICKED, the award-winning classic musical that tells the incredible untold story of the witches of Oz, has announced the sixth year of the prestigious WICKED YOUNG WRITER AWARDS, which this year introduces a new non-fiction category. Entries open today 3rd November 2015 and close on 11th March 2016. Full details can be found at www.WickedYoungWriters.com.

Wicked has also announced that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to extend her patronage for a further five years.

The Duchess of Cornwall said at the award ceremony in 2011, “I believe passionately in nurturing a love of reading and writing in children and young people of all ages. Reading is not only the start of a voyage of personal development and pleasure, but the foundation stone of all education.”

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ author-illustrator Cressida Cowell is also returning to the judging panel as Head Judge. She said, “I am thrilled to be asked to be a judge for the second time. It is wonderful to be involved in an award which fires up the imaginations and confidence of these young writers. As an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, I’m a real advocate of anything that gets young people reading and writing.”

As in previous years, entrants can enter one of five different age categories; 5-7, 8-10, 11-14, 15-17, 18-25. In addition, the 2016 awards scheme marks the launch of the FOR GOOD Award for Non-Fiction, encouraging 15-25 year olds to write essays or articles that recognise the positive impact that people can have on each other, their communities and the world we live in. The new category celebrates the WICKED: FOR GOOD programme, which supports the charitable causes at the heart of the stage musical.

The Awards were created by the producers of Wicked in 2010, in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust and spearheaded by bestselling author Michael Morpurgo, to recognise excellence in writing, encourage creativity and develop writing talent in young people. Since launching, over 20,000 young people, aged between 5 and 25, have entered original and thought-provoking pieces of writing that consistently reflect the interests, concerns and deepest thoughts of young people, providing a first-look at the emerging voices of a new generation.

A shortlist of 120 entrants from across the UK will see their work published in the WICKED YOUNG WRITER AWARDS Anthology. They are also invited to an exclusive ceremony at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, home to the hit musical since 2006, where judges and members of the Wicked cast will announce who has won in each category.

Previous winners include Charlotte Carter (Winner, 15-17 Category, 2015) who said, “The support shown by everyone involved in the award is fantastic, I cannot thank them enough for the passion, the joy and the hope that they have inspired in me.”

Sophie Max who was short-listed four times and won in 2012 said “I am forever grateful for the impact it had on me; in consequence I will always have writing as a part of my life.”

Winner of the 18-25 Category Gregory Maguire Award 2014 Chris Pritchard has gone on to be published in a variety of journals and anthologies but his favourite part of the award was hearing the stories by the younger contestants!

Caitlin Jenkins, (Winner, 11-13 Category, 2010), said “The biggest thrill I had from the competition was seeing my writing in print, and of course meeting Michael Morpurgo the year I won.”

The WICKED YOUNG WRITER AWARDS raises money for the National Literacy Trust, who campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy. Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust will be returning as part of the judging panel.

Michael McCabe, Executive Producer (UK) of Wicked said, “All of us at Wicked are incredibly proud of this project and greatly indebted to Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, Michael Morpurgo and Cressida Cowell for their support. Their passionate commitment to encouraging creative writing and improving literacy standards amongst young people in the UK is an inspiration to us all”.

Pieces of original writing can be submitted, either individually or as part of a school group, until 11 March 2016. The overall winners from each category will win a VIP family experience to the West End production of Wicked, including an exclusive backstage tour and cast meet-and-greet, £50 book/eBook tokens, plus £100 worth of books for their school library donated by Hachette Children’s Books. The individual school with the highest number of entries will receive a bespoke writing workshop at their respective school.

 

 

Hit comedy musical show Jest End returns to Waterloo East Theatre later this month for a limited run from 24th November to 6th December 2015.

The full line-up for this year’s show was announced late last night, and will include West End stars Scott Garnham, Simon Bailey, Lizzy Connelly and Jodie Jacobs.

Jest End is London’s answer to Forbidden Broadway. It is a satirical musical exploring and ‘exposing’ the hits, flops and gossip of Theatreland, featuring the latest and most popular musicals with a hilarious and firmly tongue in cheek twist. The cast for the revived 2015 show will be taking on such musicals as Wicked, Bend It Like Beckham, Matilda, Billy Elliot, Guys and Dolls, Miss Saigon, Sunny Afternoon, The Phantom of the Opera and Jersey Boys.

Jest End was created by British composer Garry Lake and first appeared at Jermyn Street Theatre in 2007. He writes and directs this latest production, which also has choreography by Rebecca Howell, set design by Sebastian Noel, sound by Gareth Tucker, lighting by Jack Weir and musical direction by James Doughty.

Scott Garnham is a musical theatre performer and co-creator/producer of the musical theatre super-group Boys of the Barricade with Simon Schofield, also performing as a member of the group. His stage credits include Grand Hotel(Southwark Playhouse), Made in Dagenham (Adelphi Theatre), I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical (London Palladium),Titanic (Toronto), Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre) and Never Forget (UK Tour)

Simon Bailey has played leading roles in I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical (London Palladium), The Phantom of the Opera (West End & 25th Anniversary Tour), Parade (Southwark Playhouse) and Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre). He released his debut solo album, Looking Up, in December 2012.

Lizzy Connelly is an Arts Educational Schools, London graduate who was most recently seen in the world premiere of MrsHenderson Presents (Theatre Royal Bath), which is set to transfer into the West End in 2016. Her other stage credits include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy Theatre), WAG The Musical (Charing Cross) and The Boys From Syracuse (Union).

Jodie Jacobs is a musical theatre actress with a long list of credits to her name. Her stage credits include Legally Blonde (Kilworth House Theatre), Carrie (Southwark Playhouse), Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre), Evita (Adelphi Theatre), Fame (Aldwych Theatre) and We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre).

Garry Lake is a British composer and actor. He is the composer/lyricist for the social media musical Like Me, which features a book by Jon Smith and was showcased earlier this year at Waterloo East Theatre. His stage credits include Batman (O2 Arena), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre) and Saturday Night Fever (Apollo Victoria).

Jest End is presented by Garry Lake in association with Waterloo East Theatre. It runs at Waterloo East Theatre from Tuesday 24th November to Sunday 6th December 2015

90s pop star KAVANA and Hollyoaks favourite GEMMA MERNA star in the very best yuletide party in town with festive cheer, glitter, magic and sparkle… and all your favourite Christmas songs!

Derek Nicol and Paul Walden in association with Hal Carter Organisation present

So This Is Christmas!

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Thursday 26 November at 7:30pm

 

Nineties pop star Kavana and glamorous actress Gemma Merna are to star in So This Is Christmas, aseasonal

spectacular for all the family, featuring a collection of festive favourites that are guaranteed to make even the most dedicated Scrooge Wish It Could be Christmas Every Day!

Kavana, with his unique combination of Northern charm and soulful vocals, and Gemma, best known for her award-winning comedy performance as Carmel McQueen in C4’s Hollyoaks, a role she played for eight years, will be supported by a talented cast of singers and dancers and a live on-stage band.

 So This Is Christmas will feature two hours of seasonal classics, including White Christmas, Let It Snow, The

Christmas Song, Jingle Bell Rock, Last Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody, All I Want For Christmas Is You and Fairytale of New York.

 A 16-date UK tour will open in York on Thursday 26 November. Full tour list below.

 Gemma said: I LOVE Christmas! My favourite Christmas song has to be Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland. I put on a Christmas CD last week and was doing the dishes singing along! When I was in Hollyoaks we always had 2 weeks off from filming over Christmas and New Year so my husband Ian and I went away – usually to America, Vegas or New York. My favourite place at Christmas has to be New York: the trees, the lights, they really go to town. Just like in the movies! We are currently doing major renovations on our Liverpool home so we won’t be dressing the house but last year I splashed out and had two trees professionally decorated. One was upstairs where there is a window to the street and it looked amazing. This year I’m looking forward to touring all over with this show -Manchester is going to be a blast as it is the hometown of both Kavana and me. Everyone we know is coming along that night – it will be a massive party night!”

Kavana adds: “My favourite Christmas track is Fairytale of New York. Christmas for me is a great family affair – everyone together, sisters and cousins, the lot. Very Shameless! Dinner is not served until very late in the day!” In 1997, after being discovered by Nigel Martin Smith, manager of Take That, Kavana left his job at McDonalds and spent a year writing his debut album, before being signed to Virgin Records in the very same week as The Spice Girls. His breakthrough hit I Can Make You Feel Good made the Top 10, and was quickly followed by an award of Best Male Artist at the Smash Hits Poll Winners beating Gary Barlow and Peter Andre. His follow up albumInstinct went on to selling excess of half a million copies in South East Asia. In 2014 he took part in TV’s The Big Reunion as part of supergroup‘5th Story’ which proved a massive success and led to a sold out nationwide arena tour.

Manchester born actress Gemma Merna is best known for her role as Carmel McQueen in Hollyoaks. Since first appearing in 2006, Gemma has been nominated for numerous awards including the National Television Awards for ‘Best Female Soap Actress’. In 2007 Gemma won the coveted British Soap Award for ‘Best Comedy Performance’. Gemma left Hollyoaks in late 2014 in some of the most dramatic scenes a British soap had ever screened, leaving the nation mourning her character’s loss. Gemma trained at the prestigious Manchester School Of Acting with Mark Hudson– which led to her landing the role in Hollyoaks. Growing up Gemma attended a number of theatre workshops and groups in her home town of Manchester, as well as appearing in a number of productions. Gemma is a TV favourite, having appeared in shows including Family Fortunes, Celebrity Juice, Big Brothers Bit On The Side &Britain’s Got More Talent. In 2014 Gemma appeared on the TV 1 prime time showSplash where she faced her fears of the water after receiving guidance by Olympian Tom Daley.

Tickets: From £16

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/york

 

TOUR DATES

YORK – Grand Opera House

Thursday 26 November

ST ALBANS – Alban Arena

Friday 27 November

WOKING – New Victoria Theatre

Saturday 28 November

TORQUAY – Princess Theatre

Sunday 29 November

MANCHESTER – Palace Theatre

Tuesday 1 December

BASINGSTOKE – Anvil Arts

Wednesday 2 December

NORTHAMPTON – Royal & Derngate

Friday 4 December

OXFORD – New Theatre

Sunday 6 December

CHELTENHAM – Town Hall

Tuesday 8 December

EDINBURGH – Playhouse

Thursday10 December

DUNDEE – Caird Hall

Friday 11 December

BIRMINGHAM – Town Hall

Wednesday 16 December

CROYDON – Fairfield Halls

Thursday 17 December

FOLKESTONE – Leas Cliff

Saturday 19 December

EASTBOURNE – Congress Theatre

Tuesday 22 December

GATESHEAD – Sage

Sunday 27 December

Civic Theatre – Darlington.  3 November 2015

Presented by the Bunbury Company of Players

Opera and Ballet International present

An Ellen Kent production

Donkey star is set to steal the limelight in new production of Carmen

The cast in opera director Ellen Kent’s dazzling new production of Carmen is looking forward to welcoming a new addition to the company – donkey –. Candy-Floss

Candy-Floss, will take a break from her home in Charlton to tread the boards alongside international stars, a celebrated chorus and full orchestra when she comes to York on Tuesday 24th November.

Award-winning producer/ director Ellen Kent spent her teenage years in Spain and has a rich store of experiences to draw as she weaves passion and drama into the show at The Grand Theatre Blackpool.

Ellen said: “Incorporating a donkey into the production lends it a real taste of Spain. My mother used to run the equivalent of the RSPCA in Spain when I was growing up and the farm was full of 30 to 40 donkeys, the same number of dogs and even more cats”.

“We used to travel miles across the countryside to festivals when they were planning to use a donkey. We’d buy the donkey off them and run – often chased by villagers. There was never a dull moment”.

“The animals were always my mother’s top priority. It’s a tribute to her really, that I use donkeys in the show – she would have been delighted and the audience always love it, especially as we try to use rescue donkeys from the local area.

Candy-floss, whose nickname is ‘Flossy’, and likes extra strong mints and ginger biscuits, is no stranger to the limelight. She has previously appeared in nativity and Palm Sunday Parades, a drama production at Lincoln Castle last year and several Agricultural Shows. She’s mothered three foals and has a  mischievous streak,  she’s always the first to escape from a field if there is better grass on the other side of the fence! Her owners will be on hand to bribe her with ginger biscuits in case the 15-year-old has any doubts.  A collection to raise money for donkey welfare will be made on the night.

As well as magnificent sets, luxurious costumes and heavenly singing, the shows also feature local children from the Stagecoach Theatre Arts in York.

Ellen is drawing inspiration from paintings by Goya for her production of Carmen, set against the backdrop of the bullring and the hot, dusty Moorish and Roman architecture.

Introducing Liza Kadelnik the celebrated international mezzo-soprano from the Romanian National Opera, together with the stunning international mezzo-soprano Zarui Vardanean as Carmen.

Bizet’s dramatic and sensuous opera Carmen tells the story of the downfall of soldier Don Jose, who is seduced by the fiery, beautiful and passionate gypsy Carmen. Abandoning both his childhood sweetheart and his military career, Jose pursues Carmen but loses her to the glamorous bullfighter Escamillo. In true tragic operatic fashion, Jose can’t bear to be without Carmen and stabs her in a jealous rage.

For more information on the tour of the UK and Ireland, go to www.ellenkent.com .

Tickets are on sale now from the box office on

King Charles III
A new play by Mike Bartlett
Directed by Rupert Goold with Whitney Mosery

• NEW 2016 DATES ANNOUNCED FOR THE CURRENT UK TOUR INCLUDE LEICESTER, SHEFFIELD, BRIGHTON, OXFORD, CHELTENHAM, MANCHESTER AND NORWICH
  
• INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION WILL OPEN IN AUSTRALIA AT THE ROSLYN PACKER THEATRE, SYDNEY, IN MARCH 2016
  

The producers of Mike Bartlett’s multi award-winning contemporary play, King Charles III are delighted to announce today that the current UK tour has been extended into spring 2016.

Robert Powell will continue in his role as Charles.  Tickets are now on sale.

New venues set to receive this award-winning production from January 2016 are Leicester Curve Theatre, Sheffield Lyceum Theatre, Brighton Theatre Royal, Oxford Playhouse, Cheltenham Everyman Theatre, Manchester Opera House and Norwich Theatre Royal.

King Charles III recently opened at Broadway’s Music Box Theatre to great acclaim from the New York critics and enjoyed huge success in London last year with critically acclaimed sell-out runs at the Almeida Theatre and in the West End.

Rupert Goold’s production won an array of awards in 2015, including Best Play at the Olivier Awards and the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards and Best Theatre Production at the Southbank Sky Arts Awards.

Continuing on stage with Robert will be Penelope Beaumont as Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall,Jennifer Bryden as Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Ben Righton as William, Duke of Cambridge, and Richard Glaves as Prince Harry. Dominic Jephcott, Lucy Phelps, Giles Taylor,Tim Treloar, Beatrice Walker and Paul Westwood will also remain in their roles.

Robert Powell will also lead the cast when King Charles III opens in Sydney on 31 March 2016 at theRoslyn Packer Theatre as part of the Sydney Theatre Company’s 2016 season.

Directed by the Almeida Theatre’s artistic director Rupert Goold with Whitney Mosery, King Charles III is designed by Tom Scutt, with music composed by Jocelyn Pook, lighting by Jon Clarkand sound by Paul Arditti.

Mike Bartlett’s play explores the people underneath the crowns, the unwritten rules of our democracy, and the conscience of Britain’s most famous family.

His TV series Doctor Foster has recently broadcast on BBC One to widespread acclaim.

The King Charles III UK tour is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Stuart Thompson Productions, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Charles Diamond and the Almeida Theatre in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre and by arrangement with Lee Dean.

King Charles III was first produced by the Almeida Theatre and subsequently co-produced at the Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions and Stuart Thompson Productions in association with Lee Dean & Charles Diamond and Tulchin Bartner Productions.

REMAINING AUTUMN TOUR DATES

2 – 7 November 2015
Malvern Festival Theatre
Grange Rd, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3HB
Box Office: 01684 892277
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/

9 – 14 November 2015
Guildford Yvonne Arnaud
Millbrook, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UX
Box Office: 01483 440000
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/

16 – 21 November 2015
Edinburgh Festival Theatre
13-29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9FT
Box Office: 0131 529 6000
www.edtheatres.com/

23 – 28 November 2015
Bath Theatre Royal
Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET
Box Office: 01225 448844
www.theatreroyal.org.uk/

30 November – 5 December 2015
Chichester Festival Theatre
Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 6AP
Box Office: 01243 781312
www.cft.org.uk/

7 – 12 December 2015
Plymouth Theatre Royal
Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 2TR
Box Office: 01752 267222
www.theatreroyal.com/

NEW SPRING DATES

26 – 30 January 2016
Leicester Curve Theatre
60 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1SB
Box Office: 01162 423560
www.curveonline.co.uk

1 – 6 February 2016
Sheffield Lyceum Theatre
55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 1DA
Box Office: 01142 496000
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

8 – 13 February 2016
Brighton Theatre Royal
New Rd, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1SD
Box Office: 08448 717650
www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

22 – 27 February 2016*
Oxford Playhouse
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW
Box Office: 01865 305305
https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/
*Will go on sale in November, check website for details

29 February – 5 March 2016
Cheltenham Everyman Theatre
7 – 10 Regent St, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1HQ
Box Office: 01242 572573
https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/

7 – 12 March 2016
Manchester Opera House
3 Quay St, Manchester, Lancashire M3 3HP
Box Office: 08448 713018
www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester/

14 – 19 March 2016
Norwich Theatre Royal
Theatre St, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1RL
Box Office: 01603 630000
www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk/

 

CLC Art Café, Peckham 2 – 14 November.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

The story of Des Warren, Ricky Tomlinson and the Shrewsbury 24 is told in this new play by Neil Gore. The events of the 1972 building workers’ strike and the establishment’s reaction are told passionately by Gore and William Fox – acting the parts of the main protagonists. Des Warren’s activities in North Wales and Shropshire, organising flying pickets to oppose the cash “lump” wages, fight for better wages and improve safety standards on building sites, alongside Ricky Tomlinson (a fine impression by Gore), are ended by the unions agreeing a deal and securing a pay rise. Footage of politicians, picketers and police, and the media coverage of the situation is used alongside poetry and music are used to wonderful effect. The two actors are talented musicians and vocalists, taking us through 1970s classics, folk and workers’ songs to embellish the story.

Whilst Tomlinson returns to work, Warren is unable to, following several unwise newspaper interviews. Then, 5 months later, the police arrest the men and they, along with others, are charged with conspiracy to intimidate, unlawful assembly and affray. The police at the actual picket on the day when the offences were alleged to have taken place had actually congratulated the men on leading such a peaceful protest! The “great conspiracy” between the politicians, police and building firm owners is related as a variety act with dummies and puppets to show exactly what a farce the charges were.  The play becomes darker once the trial begins, culminating in Tomlinson’s and Warren’s impassioned speeches from the dock. The sentences passed, Warren’s resulting illness and the blacklisting of the convicted pickets merit this sombre finale. There has been no happy ending. Campaigners are still fighting to get the case referred to the Court of Appeal.

The play does not paint the characters as saints, but mentions their mistakes, and the actors create characters that feel authentic and deeply human. There are lots of laughs in amongst the political intrigue – Gore and Fox revel in the more over the top characters, and pounce on each others fumbles and mistakes with glee. The audience aren’t safe from them either – don’t sit in the front row!

This is a fascinating and funny play about a part of our history that is very pertinent today as the government tries to curb the role of the unions. Uplifting and inspiring – well worth a look.