Preview: Present Newcastle at Alphabetti Theatre

Alphabetti Theatre in partnership with homelesscharity CRISIS present:

Present

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Tuesday 17^th – Monday 23^rd December 2019 (including Sunday & Monday)

Written and Directed by Ali Pritchard

Performed & Choreographed by Malcolm Shields

Live music from Diji Solanke, Martha Wheatley & Wilf Stone

Alphabetti’s own Ali Pritchard returns with his new play this Christmas, Present, which shines a light on an invisible community. Present is a high octane, energetic, festive show with live music that tells a story about homelessness at Christmas. 

The play follows Dave on his journey to creating a new Christmas tradition. It’s the 23rd of December and as usual Dave is in the park. It's freezing but he doesn't care - in his head he is having the time of his life in a Christmas rave! In his head he is dancing because he wants to. In real life he is dancing to keep warm. 

Dave is brought back to reality by a text from his daughter; a text containing hope and opportunity. The chance to meet his grandson for the first time this Christmas! Dave dances in real life now because he is happy, this is his chance to get back on track and make amends with his family, and to create new traditions for himself. The play explores the challenges and successes that Dave faces, to getting clean and getting off the streets, which identifies with the real challenges that homeless people can face at this time of year.

It is a poignant and touching look at what Christmas can be like for those in need, but there is a message of hope and support. To show our own support, 5% of all ticket sales will be donated to CRISIS, the UK national charity for homeless people. 

The play also features live original music, along with some Christmas classics, from Newcastle favourites Diji Solanke, Martha Wheatley and Wilf Stone (Dansi), with Musical Direction from Mariam Rezaei.

With support from Arts Council England, Alphabetti Theatre have worked closely with CRISIS members to deliver arts workshops in creative writing, photography and art, to produce work focused on the past, present and future, which will be displayed at Alphabetti Theatre during the run of the performance. Make sure you get down early to have a good look at the wonderful artwork that has been created by the members! The creative writing segments that the members have produced will be included in the printed version of the Present script, which will be available to purchase on the night.

Tickets:

Running time: approximately 50 mins, no

Ticket Prices: Pay What You Feel

Venue: Alphabetti Theatre, St James’ Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4BR

Alphabetti website: www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

Tickets/More info are available: https://www.ticketsignite.com/event/1668/present-by-alphabetti-theatre