As someone who has always been interested in the past, I'm always attracted to any kind of creative endeavour with historical themes, and the subject of 'The Ungodly' - which begins a run at Southwark Playhouse Borough this week - is a particularly intriguing period in British history.
The play, which explores fanaticism and witch hunts in the Seventeenth Century, is by Joanna Carrick, who is a definite specialist at writing history-based works. As well as being the playwright, she's the AD of producing company Red Rose Chain, and director of the show.
I spoke to Joanna to find out more about this production and her work in general.
CLICK HERE to read this Caro Meets interview.
'The Ungodly' is on at Southwark Playhouse from 23 Oct-17 Nov. Head to the venue website here for more information and to book.
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THE STATE WE'RE IN 2024>>
Why A Black Woman Will Never Be Prime Minister | Camden People's Theatre | 22 Oct-9 Nov (pictured)
If you're wondering a bit about the title of this tip section, then wonder no more, for it's the name of the very excellent festival taking place over at Camden People's Theatre as of this week focusing on policy, democracy and public life. This first pick is the festival's headline event, the debut play from Zakiyyah Deen, which focuses on black female participation in the political process and black maternal health. Click here.
The Mute Messiah | Camden People's Theatre | 22-23 Oct
This sounds amazing, and amusing, yet sobering, a social satire that explores the lives of young people navigating the UK's benefit system. It's a blend of verbatim theatre and dark comedy, features a range of interesting characters - "a steadfast sister, overzealous social workers, nosy neighbours, potential partners and government officials" - and looks at themes of resilience and class struggle. Find out more about it here.
Theatre Tapas: Politiclowns | Camden People's Theatre | 28 Oct
"Don't fill yourself up on a whole play, just have some nibbly bits. Politics is full of clowns, but ours are better". So, I'm convinced. There's not much I'd like better right now than an evening of new work from three excellent clowns, namely Frankie Thompson, Lil Wenker and Tim Chapman, all of whom I know to be ace because of their sterling work up at the old edfringe. See this page here for more.
MORE FESTIVAL STUFF>>
Change Tempo: Several Attempts At Braiding My Way Home | Brixton House | 24-25 Oct
And, sticking with the pattern of recent weeks, we have yet another section devoted to festival events - and the first one we're heading to is the rather good Dance Umbrella festival. There's loads of good stuff going on and I would recommend looking at everything here, but I also have my eye on this piece from Sweden-based Adam Seid Tahir and Amina Seid Tahir inspired by black feminist literature and marine mammals. Book here.
Pilgrimage | Old Red Lion Theatre | 22-25 Oct (pictured)
"On a forgotten road in remote Norfolk there is a spot on which a house has stood for centuries. In days gone by the humble hearth provided shelter for the many travellers on pilgrimage to the holy sites of Walsingham. On this long, wet and windy night, the true secrets inside the walls of Pilgrim's Rest are about to be unearthed". Another exciting prospect from Grimfest for you. And why not, with Hallowe'en on the horizon? Click here.
The Patient Soldier | Westminster Kingsway College Theatre | 24 Oct
I think last week I said I might do a full section of Bloomsbury Festival tips, but then I decided to go full throttle on The State We're In, so there's just the one tip, but I do urge you to go look at everything that's happening in these listings here and make some plans. But do of course consider this show, 'The Patient Soldier', because it's a tale of survival, a love letter to the NHS, and a humorous yet macabre journey. See the festival website here.
VERY SHORT STOPS>>
The Unknown Soldier | Theatre Peckham | 26 Oct
Gosh, we've still got a lot to get through, here. I think I need to hurry up. And we're starting with another pick from the Young Gifted And Black season over at Theatre Peckham. As with all other festivals and seasons we talk of here, check the full listings, but definitely consider this, it sounds amazing: an ode to black British war veterans telling the stories of brave men and women through dance, text, live music and visuals. Click here.
A Picture Of Health | Tara Theatre | 24 Oct (pictured)
Another intriguing theatrical treat for you now, written by award winning playwright Sudha Bhuchar, and inspired by Irish painter Thomas Hickey's portrait 'The Three Queens Of Mysore'. It's set in southern India in 1805, when princess Devajammani, arriving in the region to marry, is recruited to publicise and promote the smallpox vaccine. Expect it to explore themes related to colonialism, women in society and how medical research is conducted. More here.
I've Been Looking For Things That Last | Shoreditch Town Hall | 25 Oct
"Set amidst a pile of dirt, this three-hour programme invites the audience to view the works from various angles and perspectives, encouraging you to look again, readjust, to feel and engage with the experience at your own pace". An intriguing evening of performance curated by artist and choreographer SERAFINE1369, featuring invited artists Florence Peake, Adam Christensen and Keyon Gaskin. Details here.
SOMEWHAT LONGER STOPS>>
The Chemistry Test | Stage Door Theatre | 22-26 Oct
Getting extra creative with our tip section titles this week, aren't we? For lo, we have some more shows, with slightly longer run times. First up, 'The Chemistry Test' at the Stage Door Theatre, which sees two artificial intelligences - Steve and Evie - attempting to show humankind that it's more important than ever to ditch the screens and get out there and form genuine human connections. Find out more here.
Ballet Black: Heroes | Stratford East | 23-26 Oct (pictured)
Hey dance fans, the renowned Ballet Black are returning to Stratford East this week with a fab double bill comprising 'The Waiting Game' - by award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November, originally created back in 2020 - and 'If At First' by Sophie Laplane - the Franco-British artist and Choreographer In Residence at Scottish Ballet. They'll obviously both be brilliant, so head to the venue website here to book your tickets.
Our War | Jack Studio | 22 Oct-2 Nov
This show focuses on black African and Caribbean men and women and the sacrifices they made in war time, so it's got something in common with 'The Unknown Soldier' in the previous section. It's about Ola and Christian, Nigerian cousins who travel to Britain and Burma at the height of World War Two, and sign up to nurse and fight respectively, facing the challenges of warfare as well as the indignities they are exposed to as black people. Info here.
PROPERLY LONGER RUNS>>
Women Who Blow On Knots | Arcola Theatre | 24 Oct-23 Nov (pictured)
Now it's time for properly longer runs, ie, shows that are going to keep going for weeks. Hurrah. And this is an exciting prospect, adapted by Arcola co-founder Leyla Nazli from Ece Temelkuran's celebrated novel 'Women Who Blow On Knots'. It's about four women on a life changing road trip in a classic cadillac, driving though Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Lebanon, while confronting their pasts and forming indestructible bonds. More here.
How To Survive Your Mother | King's Head Theatre | 23 Oct-24 Nov
"How do you navigate a crazy, glamorous, narcissistic, scandal-loving mother whose idea of fun is to turn your 1970s family home into Britain's first ever gay hotel?" How indeed? This is the work of critically acclaimed writer Jonathan Maitland, and promises to be a witty, poignant and often hilarious look at the complexities of mother-child relationships, and the question of what makes a good mother. All the details here.
Guards At The Taj | Orange Tree Theatre | 26 Oct-16 Nov
A staging of US playwright Rajiv Joseph's 2015 acclaimed and funny play about friendship, betrayal and power. "Agra, India, 1648. The sun rises on the final day of construction of the Taj Mahal. Imperial guards and best friends Babur and Humayun resist the temptation to steal a glimpse. But as morning's first light touches the pure white domes, the urge is too strong, and Babur and Humayun are about to discover that beauty comes at a terrible price". Click here.
KID STUFF>>
The Storm Whale | Polka Theatre | 25 Oct-3 Nov (pictured)
Now, I know it's not half term quite yet, but in a few days time, it will be Friday and it will have begun. So I feel as though you child wranglers may well be looking for stuff to do, even on the first weekend. So, here are some options, beginning with an adaptation of Benji Davies' award winning Storm Whale books, suitable for kids aged four to eight. Expect "tender and heart-warming stories of loneliness, love and courage". Book your tickets here.
Fishing For Rainbows | Half Moon Theatre | 26 Oct
Up next, an empowering story of a female hero who saves the day, inspired by award-winning children's author Oliver Sykes' own experiences. "While her brothers regularly fish with their dad, Kezia stays at home, cooking and cleaning, until one day she is called upon to prove what she can do with a fishing rod! What could possibly go wrong?" Aimed at small ones aged five and up, see the venue website here to find out more.
Eyecatchers | Unicorn Theatre | 26-27 Oct
This one's actually suitable for tiny tots who aren't really on half term, yet, I guess, unless they've been somehow infected with half-term-ness by older siblings, but I think their older siblings can join in too. Oh, and this one's actually a bonus festival thing as well, because it's another show that's on as part of Dance Umbrella. It threatens to be a spellbinding experience for the whole family, in any case, so take a look here.
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