DIRTY
By Han Morgan
"Dirty" is a powerful and poignant exploration of modern-day slavery in a UK commercial laundry. Dawn, along with her fellow trapped workers, endure abuse and exist for dreams of liberation. Amidst the harsh reality of their circumstances, they find solace in storytelling, imagining lives beyond their confinement. As the clock ticks closer to zero, they face a critical decision: will they escape today? This play seamlessly weaves together folk tales, daydreams, and monologues, highlighting the strength, resilience, and unity of these women. "Dirty" exposes the hidden struggles of these workers, previously invisible and silent, inviting the audience to reflect on their own inner power.
Dirty was performed at the Mercury Theatre, Studio as part of the Colchester Fringe Festival 2023
4 STARS
‘Han Morgan’s excellent play is a classic pressure cooker script, the tension increasing throughout it’s running time, performed by a strong cast.’ – Britishtheatre.com
‘Director Richard Bland paces the show beautifully, allowing moments for the play to breathe as well as racking up the tension.' – Britishtheatre.com
PLAYWRIGHT - HAN MORGAN
DESIGNER - RHIANNON BINNINGTON
CAST
DAWN - MEGAN SHARMAN
MONIKA - REBECCA BRUDNER
ERIN - EVA BALDING
TRACY - SARA JANE DERRICK
SZEF - CHRIS SMITH
WASTED
By Kae Tempest
"Wasted" by Kae Tempest is a thought-provoking and lyrical exploration of modern society's struggles with addiction, disillusionment, and the quest for meaning. Through powerful and evocative poetry, Tempest delves into the lives of characters caught in the grips of self-destruction, seeking solace and redemption. With raw honesty and emotional depth, "Wasted" offers a profound reflection on the human condition and the search for purpose in a chaotic world.
Wasted was performed at The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol as part of the MA Drama Directors Summer Season.
4 STARS
‘Richard Bland’s masterly direction eschews that approach, and beautifully brings out the narrative’ – Britishtheatre.com
‘It reveals the play in a new light, (one that isn’t just strobe during a rave) and is all the stronger for it’ – Britishtheatre.com
PLAYWRIGHT - KAE TEMPEST
DESIGNER - RHIANNON BINNINGTON
STAGE MANAGER - JOE COLLINS
DSM - ABBI DAVIES
ASM - SHELLIE LONDON
LIGHTING - FRANKIE NEVILLE
SOUND - FELICITY LUCAS
COSTUME - BESSY MO
CAST
DANNY - FRANCIS REDFEARN
TED - DUDLEY O'SHAUGHNESSY
CHARLOTTE - HOLLY HAWGOOD
BEN HUR
By Patrick Barlow
"Ben Hur" by Patrick Barlow is a hilarious and fast-paced comedic adaptation of the epic historical novel. The story concurrently follows the 'Daniel Veil Theatre Company' as they attempt to stage the feat and the adventures of the title character, Judah Ben Hur, as he navigates through thrilling chariot races, encounters with Roman soldiers, and a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Barlow's version infuses the classic tale with a delightful blend of slapstick humour, physical comedy, and witty dialogue. With a small cast playing multiple roles and a clever use of props and staging, "Ben Hur" delivers a rollicking and entertaining theatrical experience that pays homage to the original while offering a fresh and humorous twist.
Ben Hur was staged with Castle Park Theatre at Colchester Castle in 2022.
4 STARS
‘It’s inspired silliness and a perfect antidote to the weariness of the news and the world today.’ – Britishtheatre.com
PLAYWRIGHT - PATRICK BARLOW
PRODUCER - NEIL D'ARCY JONES
STAGE MANAGER - EMILY JOHNSON
LIGHTING - NEIL D'ARCY JONES
SOUND - GEORGE EMBERSON
COSTUME - EMILY JOHNSON
CAST
DANIEL VEIL/BEN HUR - RYAN PENNY
CRYSTAL SINGER - JENNIFER PETERS
OMAR LORD - RYAN SWANSCOTT
EDGAR CHESTERFIELD - JOSEPH ALEXNDER
HOW TO DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AND NEVER BE FOUND
By Fin Kennedy
"How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found" by Fin Kennedy is a gripping and thought-provoking play that delves into themes of identity, escape, and the overwhelming nature of modern life. The story follows a man who, consumed by a crisis of self and disillusionment, embarks on a quest to vanish completely from society. As he navigates the murky realms of identity theft, rebranding, and self-erasure, the play raises profound questions about the true cost of disappearing and the ultimate search for authenticity. With a blend of dark humor and existential exploration, Kennedy's play offers a captivating journey into the depths of human identity and the desire to start anew.
How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found was staged with Headgate Young Company at the Headgate Theatre, Colchester in 2022
‘It’s inspired silliness and a perfect antidote to the weariness of the news and the world today.’ – Britishtheatre.com
‘A gorgeous, sumptuous feast of a production’ – Keep Colchester Cool
ALL CAST AND CREATIVES WERE MEMBERS OF HEADGATE YOUNG COMPANY
BLUE STOCKINGS
By Jessica Swale
"Blue Stockings" by Jessica Swale is an inspiring and poignant play set in the late 19th century. The story follows four ambitious and determined female students at Cambridge University who are fighting for their right to be educated and pursue academic degrees. Facing prejudice, societal expectations, and gender inequality, these pioneering women must overcome tremendous obstacles to prove themselves. Swale's play shines a light on the struggle for equality and the transformative power of education, highlighting the strength and resilience of these trailblazing characters. "Blue Stockings" is a moving and empowering exploration of the pursuit of knowledge and the fight for women's rights in a time of change and challenge.
Blue Stockings was staged with the Headgate Young Company at the Headgate Theatre, Colchester in 2021.
ALL CAST AND CREATIVES WERE MEMBERS OF HEADGATE YOUNG COMPANY
MACBETH
By William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is a dark and gripping tragedy that explores the destructive nature of ambition and the corrupting power of unchecked desire. Set in medieval Scotland, the play follows the noble general Macbeth, who, driven by the prophesies of three witches and influenced by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, succumbs to the lure of power. As he ascends the throne through a treacherous path of betrayal and murder, Macbeth spirals into madness and guilt. With themes of fate, morality, and the consequences of one's actions, "Macbeth" remains a timeless exploration of the human psyche and the harrowing consequences of unchecked ambition.
This production saw the witches represented by social media and capitalism in an alternate reality to our own.
This production was staged with Protocol Theatre at the Headgate Theatre, Colchester and toured schools throughout Essex complete with Q&As and workshops.
PLAYWRIGHT - WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
PRODUCER - JONATHAN DAVIS
LIGHTING & SOUND - CHRIS CLAY
CAST
MACBETH - JOSEPH ALEXANDER
LADY MACBETH - ROISIN KEOGH
BANQUO - SEPTEMBER MEAD
KING DUNCAN/WITCH - PAUL T DAVIES
LADY MACDUFF/PORTER/WITCH - SARA DERRICK
MACDUFF - SHANE WHITWORTH
ROSS/WITCH - WILL MUGFORD
FLEANCE/MACDUFF'S DAUGHTER - CHARLOTTE SCOTT HAYNES
MALCOLM - JAMES FLETCHER
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Arthur Miller
" A View from the Bridge" by Arthur Miller is a compelling and emotionally charged drama set in 1950s Brooklyn. The play tells the story of Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman whose life takes a tumultuous turn when his niece Catherine falls in love with an illegal immigrant named Rodolpho. As tensions rise and hidden desires surface, Eddie's protective instincts and traditional values collide with the changing dynamics of his community. With themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal, Miller's play explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of suppressing one's true feelings. "A View from the Bridge" is a timeless exploration of the individual's struggle against societal expectations and the tragic repercussions that ensue.
A View From the Bridge was staged with Protocol Theatre at St Martin's Church, Colchester in 2017.
4 STARS
‘this is a true and gripping rendition of Miller’s play’ – Britishtheatre.com
PLAYWRIGHT - ARTHUR MILLER
PRODUCER - JONATHAN DAVIS
LIGHTING & SOUND - CHRIS CLAY
STAGE MANAGER & COSTUME - CHARLOTTE BUTCHER
CAST
EDDIE CARBONE - TIM FREEMAN
BEA CARBONE - SARA DERRICK
CATHERINE - ELLA D'ARCY JONES
ALFIERI - JONATHAN DAVIS
MARCO - JOSEPH ALEXANDER
RODOLPHO - JACKO POOK
MIKE - RICHARD CONRAD
LOUIS - ALEXANDER FOREMAN