Mark Ravenhill is an English playwright whose works delve into the darker aspects of modern life with sharp intelligence and unsettling humor. His plays often capture the disillusionment and desires of characters on the fringes of society. Ravenhill's style is known for its raw honesty and its ability to evoke strong emotions in audiences. He explores how our deepest wants collide with the harsh realities of the world we inhabit.
The story unfolds as Edward, a retired teacher, faces an unexpected siege at his home from vengeful former students. Trapped with his wife Maureen for six days, tensions rise further with the arrival of their estranged daughter Anna, who brings unresolved issues and questions to the forefront. The narrative explores themes of familial conflict, the impact of past actions, and the struggle for understanding amidst chaos.
The 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II is fast approaching. To mark the occasion, Benjamin Britten has just nine months to write a new opera about her predecessor Elizabeth I. Into the world of the disheartened composer enters the exuberant and passionate Imogen Holst, daughter of Gustav and an accomplished musician in her own right. Her candid and can-do attitude proves to be the perfect foil for the capricious and often maddening Britten, and what begins as an arrangement of practical support turns into a bond that not only sees Gloriana to its premiere but endures throughout the rest of their lives. This edition is published to coincide with the world premiere at the Swan Theatre, Stratford, in February 2024.
Who were the victims of Jack the Ripper? And what was the impact of his killings on women at the time, and over the last 150 years?
Mark Ravenhill's autobiographical radio play explores the way culture, high and low, impacted both his mother's and his family's lives. Starting an adult ballet class as the only male in the group sparks a memory of life through the eyes of Ravenhill, the playwright. As time intertwines through alternating perspectives we see his family at different stages of their life. From childhood dreams of being a dancer and performer through to the creativity that brings his parents together for the first time and into their old age, this is a deeply personal and resonate drama about the intersects of life and culture. Commissioned by Sound Stage, a new immersive audio theatre, designed by theatre-makers and leading technologists, giving audiences a unique and engrossing online theatre experience of new plays from the best in British theatre.
Set in London in 1726, the story follows Mrs. Tull as she navigates a chaotic life filled with challenges, including unruly whores, a cross-dressing job seeker, an unfaithful husband, and a wandering apprentice. In contrast, the narrative also shifts to 2001, where a group of affluent gay men is gearing up for a wild party. This dual timeline intertwines historical and contemporary themes, exploring societal norms, relationships, and the complexities of desire across different eras.
Exploring themes of identity and loss, the story follows a young man who uncovers the truth about his origins, revealing that the parents he has known all his life are not his biological ones. Drawing parallels to Oedipus and the historical context of Chile under Pinochet, this narrative delves into the emotional turmoil of discovering one’s true lineage amidst a backdrop of political upheaval and personal betrayal.
The story centers on the emotional journey of twin brothers separated at birth due to their mother's escape to the West. After twenty-five years, Karl embarks on a quest to find his twin, Franz, who has remained behind. As they navigate the complexities of their past and the challenges of reuniting, the narrative explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. Their struggle to reconnect highlights the deep connections that persist despite years of separation.
The play explores the intense dynamics of relationships through the lens of two teenagers, Jack and Lisa, facing impending adulthood and unexpected challenges, including an unplanned pregnancy. As Lisa mysteriously disappears, Jack grapples with panic and isolation, realizing they are among the last people on Earth. With only Stacy, who is also pregnant, remaining, Jack navigates a haunting new reality. The return of those who vanished forces him to confront the complexities of adult relationships, highlighting themes of love, loss, and the struggle for connection in a desolate world.
Candide is an optimist. A dreamer. He believes that everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds. But that belief is about to be tested as Candide's comfortable life is overtaken by an endless barrage of misfortune. As his world collapses around him, the story travels across the centuries to new locations and parallel universes. How will Candide's optimism fare when it collides with life in the 21st century? The play is structured around two parallel narratives: one tells the story of Candide's attempts to reunite with his love Cunegonde; the other follows a woman who experiences a hugely traumatic event as she attempts to find a way back to happiness.