Just how good can a set of monologues performed on a blank stage be? The answer is “exceptional”, according to the critics who raved about this show when it first appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2008.
Hickson’s Fringe smash went on to find success in the West End and off-Broadway, so we are very excited to introduce this production to our audiences as yet another Newcastle premiere for the People’s Theatre in our Studio Upstairs.
This collection of emotionally charged, unsettling, and intriguing monologues offers a revelatory state-of-the-nation look at the Britain we live in right now.
The characters – ranging from high-class hookers, through soul-devouring hedonists, to 7/7 survivors – represent a generation living in a world where it seems anything and everything has become acceptable.
Heart-strings are pulled as hope and individual faith are sought amidst crisp and sharply observed social cynicism.
At times bleak, and with a melancholy undertow, these feisty 21st Century soliloquies offer a gritty response to the cosy world of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads.
The monologues are presented by some of the People’s most talented up-and-coming new directors and actors.
CHARACTERS –
ASTRID (Hannah Prestwell) has settled for a man who doesn’t love her, does he even know she exists? But her boyfriend’s lack of love and romance leads her to an infidelity she didn’t know she was capable of.
When sweet, old Mrs Beeton shows BOBBY (Ellie Clarke) unexpected kindness, all of Bobby’s senses are awakened and with it, her heart.
An infernal diatribe takes you from BUTTONS’ (Matt Wesolowski) teenage years to the day he walks free. But will he ever really be free?
Ex-soldier DANNY (David Parker) is a man’s man & his body is proof of his heroic abilities. But looks aren’t everything and we soon discover Danny’s friends aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Teenage lad JUDE (David Jackson) is trying desperately to be a “Riviera gent” in the south of France.
MILES (Hugo Davison) survived the 7/7 bombings, only to walk away from his life anyway …
MILLIE (Sharon Saint-Lamont) is a prostitute with a difference. She believes in Britain, the Empire and old fashioned family values. But her desires are more than simply physical.
MONA (Emma Jane Richards) is a young girl who runs away from home, and into the arms of someone she shouldn’t.
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
DATE: Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 February 2016
TIME: 7.30pm
VENUE: The Studio Upstairs, The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF
TICKETS: £13.50 (Conc £11)
TELE: 0191 265 5020 (option 2)
WEBSITE: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk