With letters from Cheryl Martin, mandla rae, Samuel Rossiter, Yusra Warsama, Nikhil Parmar & David Judge
Based on the original concept by Rachel De-Lahay
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
Rachel De-Lahay
Samuel Rossiter
Cheryl Martin
Nikhil Parmar
Actors
Elizabeth Twells
Julie Hesmondhalgh
Rhiannon Clements
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.
VENUE: The Theatre, the Royal Exchange Theatre
DATES: Saturday 23 & Saturday 30 October 2021
TIME: 7.30pm
AGE GUIDANCE: 14+
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:
TICKET TERMS & CONDITIONS:
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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
GLEE & ME |
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11 September 2021 - 30 October 2021 |
THE MOUNTAINTOP |
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25 September 2021 - 27 October 2021 |
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