CHESTER THEATRE COMPANY SET TO STAGE PRODUCTION WITH HARD-HITTING LOOK AT 80s BRITAIN

Final rehearsals are underway as a Chester based theatre company prepares to stage its first production of 2024.

Rehearsals are in full swing at Chester Little Theatre for the staging of 'Road' which runs at the theatre from Saturday 13^th- Saturday 20^th January at 7.30pm.

The first play to be written by celebrated playwright Jim Cartwright, 'Road' premiered at London's Royal Court Theatre in 1986 and is set on typical road in a working-class town in Lancashire, Mrs Thatcher is in No.10 and unemployment is at an all time high in the North of England. 

The play, which will be directed for Chester Little Theatre by Dani Zebrowska, follows the lives and relationships of the people who live in the neighbourhood as they get ready to go out, visit the pub, the club, visit their friends. Hard hitting and often explicit in nature with strong language and adult themes, sometimes desperate, often laugh out loud funny, 'Road' is a passionate, poetic and positive portrayal of working class life in 80s Britain. 'Road'has won numerous awards including the George Devine Award, Plays and Players Award and the Samuel Beckett Award. Its original productions attracted many young actors who have since gone to become well known, such as Jane Horrocks, David Thewlis and Lesley Sharp. Playwright Jim Cartwright is perhaps best known for 'The Rise and Fall of Little Voice' which also starred Jane Horrocks alongside Alison Steadman and Pete Postlewhaite.

Speaking about the play, Dani Zebrowska said:

"Jim Cartwright's 'Road' was first produced in 1986: a time of high unemployment, political despair, and recession. It has been called “a rallying cry against the breakdown of society”, a “surreal vision”, “uncomfortable and magical, funny and bitter.” One of my favourite plays, it is a challenging and emotional piece with themes that resonate whenever and wherever it's seen. The whole team are really excited to bring this production to life in a way that will bring audiences into the world of 'Road' and I think we've created something quite different for Chester Little Theatre audiences to experience."

Following on from 'Road', Chester Little Theatre will welcome back visiting theatre company Against The Grain as they present Alan Ayckbourn's classic comedy 'Roleplay' from Wednesday 21^st February - Saturday 24^th February.

Full details of "Road" which contains strong language and scenes of an adult nature can be found at: 

www.chesterlittletheatre.co.uk 

...where tickets can be booked online. (recommended age 14+)

Pictured - Cast members rehearse a scene from 'Road' by Jim Cartwright at Chester Little Theatre.