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

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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. A full list of trigger warnings will be provided at the earliest opportunity.

RUNNING TIME: 1 hour (approx)

SEATING: Unreserved

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:

Tickets and vouchers cannot be exchanged or money refunded - unless we have to cancel a performance, you have covid symptoms or a positive diagnosis, or are self-isolating due to possible contact with covid. More information
Full terms and conditions available here

Members get Priority Booking as well as exclusive extras for additional events. You can find out about Membership here.

With your support, we can make brilliant theatre, tell stories, nurture new talent, and help as many people as possible get involved.

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
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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)