With letters from Cheryl Martin, mandla rae, Samuel Rossiter, Yusra Warsama, Nikhil Parmar & David Judge

My White Best Friend - North

Based on the original concept by Rachel De-Lahay

  • In collaboration with Liverpool Playhouse & Eclipse Theatre
  • 23 October 2021 - 30 October 2021
  • The Theatre

WHAT’S THE ONE THING THAT YOU NEED TO SAY BUT HAVE NEVER DARED?
AND WHO NEEDS TO HEAR IT?

This series of personal letters by Nineteen Black and ethnically diverse writers from across the North of England will explore the personal and political of the things we don’t dare say. Sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, sometimes political and full of fire, these letters will be written and sealed, to be opened and read by the actors live for the first time on the night.

These new letters will be performed alongside Rachel De-Lahay’s original letter, building on her ground-breaking MY WHITE BEST FRIEND (AND OTHER LETTERS LEFT UNSAID), first performed at The Bunker and the Royal Court in London to critical acclaim. Black and writers of colour across the North have been commissioned in this collaboration between Everyman & Playhouse theatres, Eclipse and the Royal Exchange, to give over the stage to these moments left unsaid.

‘Theatre in this country can be so London centric. I’m so proud to see this project be taken up North. I cannot wait to hear these brilliant writers dare say things they have, up until now, kept quiet.’ Rachel De-Lahay

  • Writers and performers - Saturday 23 October

  • Writers
    Rachel De-Lahay
    Samuel Rossiter
    Cheryl Martin
    Nikhil Parmar

    Actors
    Elizabeth Twells
    Julie Hesmondhalgh
    Rhiannon Clements

  • Writers and performers - Saturday 30 October

  • Writers
    Rachel De-Lahay
    mandla rae
    David Judge
    Yusra Warsama

    Actors
    Ian Bartholomew
    Katie West
    Maxine Peake
    Tony Hirst

CONTENT NOTES
MY WHITE BEST FRIEND - NORTH will engage with themes of race and discrimination. It will contain subject matter that may be upsetting or triggering to some audiences. A full list of trigger warnings will be provided at the earliest opportunity.

  • Event Information

  • VENUE: The Theatre, the Royal Exchange Theatre

    DATES: Saturday 23 & Saturday 30 October 2021

    TIME: 7.30pm

    AGE GUIDANCE: 14+

    CONTENT NOTES: This performance will engage with themes of race and discrimination. It will contain subject matter that may be upsetting or triggering to some audiences.

    RUNNING TIME: 1 hour & 20 minutes, including one 20-minute interval

    SEATING: Unreserved

    FREESHEET: For more production information, please download the freesheet.

    BOOKING: Tickets are available to buy online.

    COVID GUIDANCE:

    • MY WHITE BEST FRIEND - NORTH is taking place at 70% capacity in order to minimise contacts and offer seating options with more space.

    • As seating for this show is unreserved, we ask all attendees to leave a little bit of space when taking their seats. Our Visitor Experience team will be on hand to provide guidance if unsure.

    • Due to social distancing, there are no group discounts for in-person shows.

    • We ask all visitors to the theatre to wear masks inside the building (including during performances) unless exempt. Staff will continue to wear masks.

    • Please do not attend if you have Covid symptoms, a positive test result or are required to isolate.

    • Full details of our Covid procedures can be found on the Visiting Us page.

    TICKET TERMS & CONDITIONS:

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  • Creative Team

  • ORIGINAL CONCEPT: Rachel De-Lahay

    SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER

    Writers
    Rachel De-Lahay
    Samuel Rossiter
    Cheryl Martin
    Nikhil Parmar

    Actors
    Elizabeth Twells
    Julie Hesmondhalgh
    Rhiannon Clements

    SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER

    Writers
    Rachel De-Lahay
    mandla rae
    David Judge
    Yusra Warsama

    Actors
    Ian Bartholomew
    Katie West
    Maxine Peake
    Tony Hirst

  • Related Events
  • GLEE & ME
    11 September 2021 - 30 October 2021 
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    THE MOUNTAINTOP
    25 September 2021 - 27 October 2021 
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  • Accessible Performances

  • ACCESS PERFORMANCES

    British Sign Language (BSL) - both performances will feature BSL interpretation (Saturday 23 & Saturday 30 October at 7.30pm)

  • Ian Bartholomew

    Gabriel Clark

    Rhiannon Clements

    Julie Hesmondhalgh

    Tony Hirst

    Elizabeth Twells

    Katie West

    Maxine Peake

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