Durham City theatre serves up heart-warming
drama
Audiences at Gala
Durham theatre can look forward to a generous portion of local humour and community
spirit at the end of this month, with a new play, inspired by and set in the
north east.
There’ll be laughter,
tears, and mushy peas on offer when the Durham County Council-run venue stages Janet
Plater's Haddock and Chips, on Friday 29 October.
Set in a north east chippie, the uplifting play deals with a
range of small-scale neighbourhood dramas, including an ill-fated relationship,
a mysterious new arrival, and a missing child.
Join shop owner Bob, assistant Brenda and a host of colourful
lads and lasses, as the town’s residents turn amateur detective, piecing
together the events of the evening to help find a lost little girl.
Writer, Janet, said: “The original idea for Haddock and Chips
came years ago when I was worrying about a child, as all parents do. I
mentioned to a friend I had no extended family nearby and they countered ‘we’re
all family nearby.’ A Geordie thing perhaps but particularly resonant in
current times. I’m interested in the idea that every person carries with them
their history and view of themselves. In ordinary moments these collide with
others and, on this night, in this place, a child is missing. How would people
react to that?”
A small but talented cast of just two actors will play the range
of characters who pass through the shop’s doors, in an evening of playful banter,
lively drama and light-hearted comedy. Phillippa
Wilson and Joe Caffrey will be familiar faces to audiences, and both have a
wealth of experience in TV and theatre.
Phillippa, who has worked in the
industry for more than twenty years, was part of the original cast for the
hugely successful production The Pitmen Painters and stayed with the show when
it transferred to Broadway. She has also worked extensively for Live Theatre,
Northern Stage, Manhattan Theatre Club and National Theatre, and has made TV appearances
in Where the Heart Is and Heartbeat.
Joe, who trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, has acted
in TV shows including Vera, Holby City and Byker Grove, as well as films such
as Victoria and Abdul, and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. His theatre credits
include The Last Ship at Northern Stage, Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare’s
Globe, Cabaret, Billy Elliott the Musical, and The Pitmen Painters.
Director, Jake Murray, said: “I'm very excited to be working
on Haddock and Chips. It’s a beautiful play, funny, thought-provoking, moving
and inspiring at the same time. New writing is always a thrill to work on as
you are breaking new ground, presenting something no-one has seen before. It’s a
bonus when the writing is as good as this. It’s a real north eastern play, unique
to this area. It has a big heart, a shrewd eye for human character and a real
community spirit. I can't wait."
Written by the north east’s own Janet, and produced by CaroleW
Productions, a local theatre company with a passion for providing ‘a good night
out’, Haddock and Chips is a performance which celebrates the region’s sense of
community and highlights the hope that can be found in humanity, even in the
hardest of times.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s Cabinet member for economy
and partnerships, said: “In what we hope is the wake of the covid pandemic, a funny,
life-affirming drama such as Haddock and Chips is exactly what we need right
now. Audiences will recognise themselves and people they know in the show’s
characters, who will take them on an emotional and comical journey.
“The play also highlights what a source of inspiration our region
can be to the arts, as well as the quality of creative talent it has nurtured. As
a county bidding to become UK City of Culture 2025, we’re proud to be
championing local writers, producers and actors.”
Tickets for Haddock and Chips, priced from £14 to £16, are
available from Gala Durham, in person, over the phone on 03000 266 600 or online
at www.galadurham.co.uk
