LET NEWTON BE!

Isaac Newton – heretic, alchemist, scientist.  An iconic figure whose shadow looms large, while remaining a mystery to many.  A devout, difficult, obsessive man who sought and found God in universal laws of light and motion. These brilliant discoveries and innovations were part of a greater project that took in other, more dangerous ideas which he was forced to keep secret. Let Newton Be! lifts the veil and holds him up to the very light that he tried so hard to understand.  Award-winning playwright Craig Baxter focuses on the clash of scientific discovery with religious fanaticism, to tell a story of obsession and possession. Using only the words of Newton, and those of his contemporaries, we see him as farm boy genius, secretive scholar and wiley politician.  Above all, here is Newton as a human being – unique, comical, and relentlessly driven by his own curiosity.

RE: DESIGN

By Craig Baxter. A fascinating dramatisation of the 30 years of correspondence between Charles Darwin in Kent, England and Asa Gray in Boston, USA, offering a window onto the minds and worlds of two groundbreaking 19th century naturalists as they debate the consequences for religious belief of Darwin’s new theory of evolution by natural selection. Intellectual debate around science and religion is interwoven with gossip, opinion and anecdotes about everything from war and slavery, to family incidents and unfortunate gardening accidents!

CORRESPONDENCE

By Claire Macdonald  . A man and a woman board a train together.  She pours coffee.  He drinks brandy.  She smokes for the first time in years.  He smiles.  Through the night, they exchange memories, stories and secrets.  When the sun rises, everything has changed forever…  A stunning exploration of intimacy, betrayal and the borders we cross to reach someone else.

OUT OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE  

Inspired by the feverish, homeward walk of the 19th century English poet John Clare from a lunatic asylum in Essex to his home village some 100 miles north, Out Of Your Knowledge is a topical and engrossing journey through our green and pleasant land! ‘bleakly fun’ Andrew Dickson, Guardian. ‘Waters absorbing and spellbinding play’ British Theatre Guide.

FROBISHER’S GOLD

By Fraser Grace. When pirate-turned-explorer Martin Frobisher discovers a new land in the Arctic filled with riches, Elizabeth I glimpses a golden future of wealth, prestige and influence. ‘Peerlessly acted by a superb cast… the play dazzles with its wit and wordplay’ The Guardian. ‘Janet Suzman in a role she seems born to play’ Time Out.

THE SYRINGA TREE

By Pamela Gein. Told through live music, original physical theatre and classic storytelling… Syringa Tree is a deeply personal story of  an abiding love between two families – one white, one black – and the children that are born into their shared South African household in the early 1960’s. ‘An absolute must see..’ The Stage.

GAUGLEPRIXTOWN

 By Andrew Muir. Two boyhood friends pack rods and nets for a day on the ocean. They banter about old times and are transported back to a time of childhood games; a time of pirates and monsters; a time when they went in search of Gaugleprixtown.

HARD SELL

By Craig Baxter. An inventive and absurdly theatrical black comedy focusing on the nature of power and those that abuse it as two police officers take the law into their own hands. ‘acerbic and full of dark wit… a cracking production’ Sam Marlowe, The Times.

TWO INTO WAR

Two rare, powerful insights into the most compelling and enduring issue of our time: war. Gifts of War by Fraser Grace. Leave Troy to the boys, let’s party…! Ancient tales and modern dilemmas, in this moving, often hilarious account of the aftermath of the battle of Troy. The Retreating World by Naomi Wallace. I remember. I remember… everything we say these days begins with ‘I remember…’ An ex-Iraqi soldier pauses to share his humour, passion and wisdom on conflict… (and pigeons!)‘Extraordinarily powerful…it is a privilege to attend’ Paul Taylor, The Independent.

THE CULL

By Steve Waters. A tense, moving and darkly comic new play.  Three characters are observed through a night of enforced proximity as the realities of the meltdown of the British countryside fuse with a deeper struggle of sexuality, class hatred and nationalism.

MICHELLE & THE LANDLADY

By Caroline Forbes. The story of a friendship between two different women, spanning the generation gap. A skilfull and assured piece of character-driven writing whose acute observations and gentle humour will warm your heart and lift your spirits. Previously broadcast on Radio Four’s ‘Play of the Day’, this stylish and innovative treatment for the stage is both funny and moving. Suitable for any member of the family with an eye for the wry and quirky aspects of life… and death!

YELLOW BOAT

By David Saar. The harrowing yet strangely uplifting story of a young boy, artistically-talented yet doomed by the HIV virus. The story is true; the author is the boy’s father, David Saar. The play follows the child’s progress through his short life and illustrates the actions and reactions of all those around him.

‘NIGHT MOTHER

By Marsha Norman. This 1983 Pullitzer-prize winning play opens as Jessie tells Mama that she plans to commit suicide that evening.  Slowly her life with Mama is revealed, as are her reasons for her decision and her plans, culminating in a disturbing – yet unavoidable – climax. ‘As artfully designed as a sonata, rising in each dramatic movement until it arrives at its inevitable destination’ New York Times.