Check out audience reactions so far!
Written by Caryl Churchill
Director David Mercatali
Designer Angela Davies
Sound Designer and Composer Max Pappenheim
Lighting Designer Chris Swain
Casting Consultant Vicky Richardson
Visionary playwright Caryl Churchill brings together two exhilarating one act plays in Blue Heart, which we’re delighted to add to our in-house production repertoire, in a co-production with the Orange Tree Theatre and directed by David Mercatali.
Heart’s Desire sees a family awaiting their daughter’s return from Australia, though in a series of alternative scenarios, the play collapses as it keeps veering off in unexpected and ridiculous directions.
Blue Kettle tells the story of conman Derek and the five women he misleads into believing he is their biological son. Try as he might, Derek’s plans are scuppered as the play is invaded by a virus.
In Churchill’s ever-inventive style, the plays pull apart language and structure in a way that is theatrically remarkable and fast-paced, in a stirring yet truthful exploration of family and relationships.
Blue Heart is a huge international success by one of the country’s foremost contemporary playwrights (Cloud Nine, Top Girls and Royal Court’s recent Escaped Alone). Despite this success, the play is rarely performed and this will be the first major revival since its premiere in 1997. We’re thrilled that our co-production will be directed by the esteemed David Mercatali (Dark Vanilla Jungle, Radiant Vermin) and that we are beginning a new co-producing partnership with the Orange Tree Theatre.
Cast:
Derek’s Mother Gillian Axtell
Derek/Lewis Alex Beckett
Maisie / Mrs Plant Amanda Boxer
Alice/Mrs Oliver Amelda Brown
Miss Clarence Maroussia Frank
Susy/Enid Mona Goodwin
Mrs Vane Janet Henfrey
Young Woman Tracey Lee Sharples
Brian / Mr Vane Andy de la Tour
Find out more about the cast and creative team.
Mini Film
Check out the Blue Heart blog:
Meet the Director
Meet the Designer
Meet the Assistant Director
Rehearsal Blog: Alex Beckett
Rehearsal Blog: Janet Henfrey
Blue Heart was first produced by Out of Joint and the Royal Court Theatre at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds on 14 August 1997.
Production Sponsor
Better Food is proud to sponsor Tobacco Factory Theatres as it stages this production.
- RUNNING TIMEApprox. 2hrs (inc. interval)
- AGE RECOMMENDATION12+
- VENUEFactory Theatre
- PREVIEWS
- Thu 22, Fri 23 8pm & Sat 24 2.30pm£11
- Matinées
- Sat 2.30pm24 Sep £11 & 01 Oct Full £16 / Concession £13
- All other performances
- Mon 26 September - Sat 01 October 8pmFull £16 / Concession £13
No Concession Fri / Sat eve
POST-SHOW TALK
There will be a post-show talk following the performance on Tue 27 September.
Business Club Members can get 2 for 1 tickets to the performance on Fri 23 September. Book early as this offer is subject to availability. To claim please quote your company promotion code over the phone or in person at the Box Office. Please bring proof of the company you work for.
