Nicole Sawyerr Archives - North West End UK

In the intimate setting of Orange Tree’s theatre-in-the-round, the 1660s came visiting. Charles II is on the throne, theatres have reopened, and there is a new creature on the stage – a female actor. The theatre, we are told, was once a bear pit and people came in to watch dancing bears. Now they come to see the women. Directed by Michael Oakley, April De Angelis’ play about five actresses – who were among the very first women in the profession – brings to life real stories from the period. Some of the themes seem like lasting legacies of showbiz, like the way younger faces edge out the old, and pregnancy becoming a full-stop to vibrant careers. Mrs Betterton and Mrs Marshall rule the roost, playing myriad roles from Amazon warriors to powerful queens, before thickly packed audiences...

Theatre at its best is an incensing experience. Something which puts vital stories to stage. Which affirms you of humanity’s strength. And fills you with light, as well as heartache and rage. My Mother’s Funeral: The Show written by Kelly Jones at The Yard Theatre does just that. Without a doubt, this is the most moving piece of theatre I have ever been privileged enough to experience. Quite possibly the best thing I’ve ever seen on a stage. Abigail is a working-class writer, recently bereaved. Suffering the fresh and painful loss of her mother, she is confronted with the reality of economic inequality at a time where what’s crucial is support and humanity. She cannot afford the funeral. Her grim luck: she happens to work in an industry which is hungry for ‘authentic trauma’ from ‘peopl...

Tag: Nicole Sawyerr

Playhouse Creatures – Orange Tree Theatre

My Mother’s Funeral: The Show – Yard Theatre