Details

Box of Tricks champion the next generation of playwriting talent, putting six exciting new writers to the test on a nine stop tour of the North-West and South-West of England. Following the critical and sell-out success of the four previous cycles at Theatre 503 and The Arcola Theatre, six playwrights, three from each region, have been set the task of writing a 15 minute play inspired by the word "division". This is Only a Test by Tom Wainwright (Bristol) is a light-hearted tale centering on Rob who is about to become a father and must pass his driving test. Can driving instructor and unlikely fairy godmother Donna help him become a 'real' man? The Bears by Luke Barnes (Liverpool) is a modern day re-telling of the classic fairytale for a broken Britain. The three bears return from their walk in the woods to discover an intruder in their home. Exodus by Natalie McGrath (Devon) depicts a young woman, Stella, and her voyage of discovery as she returns home after 12 years of self imposed exile to confront her past. The Globe in the Attic by Becky Prestwich (Manchester) focuses on siblings Lou and Oscar whose difficult relationship is made all the trickier bybeing continents apart.. Now with a family situation arising, they must find a way to put their childhood jealousies aside. Nights with Dolly Henderson by Bea Roberts (Bristol). Rose and Dolly, two Torquay housewives from different backgrounds, meet late at night in the kitchen. But the waves of sixties' revolution begin to lap at the shores of the English Riviera. Plastic Figurines by Ella Greenhill (Liverpool) is a poignant piece which focuses on Rose who has looked after her troubled younger brother Michael all his life. However, now, when he needs her most, she is powerless to help. Running time: 90mins (interval). Suitable for ages 14+

Creatives/Company

Author(s): Luke Barnes, Ella Greenhill, Natalie McGrath, Becky Prestwich, Bea Roberts, Tom Wainwright, Tom Wainwright (This is Only a Test), Luke Barnes (The Bears), Natalie McGrath (Exodus), Becky Prestwich (The Globe in the Attic), Bea Roberts (Nights with Dolly Henderson), Ella Greenhill (Plastic Figurines)
Director(s): Adam Quayle, Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder
Design: Rachel Wingate
Lighting: Vicki Heathcock
Sound: Max Pappenheim