Preview: More Light at Newcastle People’s Theatre

“For the first time in my life, it is my life!”

More Light

by Bryony Lavery

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 May 2017

China’s first emperor is dead and entombed in the fabulous tomb he had decreed for himself, with its ceiling of jewelled stars.

Pictured (L-R) : Sarah Scott (Pure Joy),

Mairead Scott (Love’s Gift), Emma Jane Richards (Love Mouth),

 Sara Jo Harrison (More Light), Maya Lant (Fresh Morning),

Eileen Davison (Many Treasures) Photo: Paula Smart

Unfortunately for his concubines, they are immured alive with him in the mausoleum. Used only to dining royally, the starving women soon come up with an ingenious way of staying alive.

The playful wit of Lavery’s script is a celebration of the sisterhood of women, and how people facing extreme circumstances can empower themselves.

There is both laughter and horror as the eponymous figure More Light (Sara Jo Harrison) and her sisters struggle to come to terms with their dilemma.

Co-directors Sarah McLane and Kate Wilkins comment: “It’s been an exciting and challenging experience. Everyone involved in the production has created something unique, from wardrobe to lighting; from set design to the cast themselves, who, as well as performing the play, provide all of the music and sound.”

Originally written in 1997 for National Theatre Connections, this powerful, usual drama explores challenging themes in an often visually spectacular way.

The ensemble of twenty-three is made up of adults and young people who use music and movement alongside Lavery’s lyrical and poignant script to tell the story of the women finding autonomy in captivity. 

More Light has been only rarely produced since its premiere and we are proud once again to be bringing our audiences a drama that would otherwise not be seen on Tyneside.

Tickets:

Tickets are £13.50 (£11 conc), available now from the People’s Theatre Box Office (0191 265 5020) and online at peoplestheatre.co.uk

ALSO IN MAY

THE LATE SHOWS (Saturday 20 May)

We’re delighted to be taking part in The Late Shows again this year, presenting scenes from our recent production of The Tempest at Newcastle City Library. Entry is free and the Library is open 7-11pm with a range of events and activities happening.  

YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE REUNION (Saturday 27 May, 7pm)

It’s fifty years since the People’s Theatre in Heaton first established a Youth Theatre. Since then thousands of young people aged 11 to 18 have taken part. Big names such as comedian Ross Noble and actress Andrea Riseborough have taken their first steps into the arts and entertainment world through the Young People’s Theatre. 

This month all former members of YPT are being warmly invited to join a celebration of this unique and vital youth drama group in the wonderful setting of our new Foyer Bar.

Tickets are £7, available now from the People’s Theatre Box Office (0191 265 5020) and online at peoplestheatre.co.uk

HOBSON’S CHOICE (Tuesday 30 May – Saturday 3 June, 7.30pm)

May also sees us bring Harold Brighouse’s classic northern comedy Hobson’s Choice to our stage. In 1880s Salford, the prosperous bootmaker Henry Hobson is a widower with three “uppity” daughters on his hands.

And when his eldest daughter Maggie sets up a rival business with his best employee, there’s nowt but trouble ahead for the boozy, cantankerous patriarch.

Tickets:

Tickets are £13.50 (£11 conc), available now from the People’s Theatre Box Office (0191 265 5020) and online at peoplestheatre.co.uk