We had a wonderful launch night last Saturday and we applaud absolutely everyone in attendance – what a  wonderful turn out! It meant something alright, something rather special. Someone said on the night: “Such a warm, positive and welcoming place to be and what a line-up for next year.”

Meet the plays and the directors

Mr. Burns by Anne Washburn
Director: Eliot Huxtable

A darkly comic exploration of how stories evolve to sustain humanity after catastrophe. Set in a future where the power grid has collapsed, a group of survivors gather around a fire to recall an episode of The Simpsons. Over time, that retelling becomes myth, then ritual — showing how pop culture, memory, and imagination can transform into the new mythology of a changed world.

Silver Lining by Sandi Toksvig
Director: Kim Robichaud

A sharp, witty comedy about growing old disgracefully and finding friendship in unexpected places. Set in a flooded retirement home during a storm, five elderly women — each with her own quirks and secrets — find themselves stranded together on the top floor. As they wait for rescue, they face their pasts, share laughter, and discover courage and camaraderie in the face of danger. It’s a warm, funny, and touching play that celebrates resilience, dignity, and the spirit of defiance that refuses to fade with age.

Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht
Director: John Moss

A powerful epic drama about justice, sacrifice, and the meaning of rightful ownership. Set in a war-torn land, it tells the story of Grusha, a servant girl who rescues an abandoned baby and raises him as her own. Years later, when the child’s wealthy mother returns to claim him, a peasant judge must decide who truly deserves to be called his mother. Told with song, humour, and moral depth, the play questions power, privilege, and what it really means to do what is right.

Rumors by Neil Simon
Director: Ben Jones

A fast-paced farce full of misunderstandings, mayhem, and razor-sharp wit. When guests arrive at a dinner party to find the host injured and his wife missing, panic and wild speculation ensue. As the lies pile up and the situation spirals out of control, the evening descends into hilarious chaos. Packed with quick-fire dialogue and comic confusion, it’s classic Neil Simon — smart, stylish, and side-splittingly funny.

Les Miserables (the play) adapted by Tim Kelly
Director: Mick Bennell

A stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, telling a story of love, justice, and redemption set against the backdrop of revolutionary France. It follows Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking a new life, as he is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert. Along the way, their lives intertwine with those of the poor and downtrodden fighting for hope and dignity. Rich with emotion, music, and humanity, it’s an epic tale that celebrates the enduring power of compassion and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Snow Queen by Ron Nichol
Director: Jo Andrews

Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale, is a magical story about friendship, courage, and the power of love to overcome darkness. When young Gerda’s best friend Kai is bewitched and taken by the icy Snow Queen, she sets out on a perilous journey to rescue him. Along the way, she encounters a host of vivid characters and learns that warmth and kindness can melt even the coldest heart. A timeless tale full of wonder and adventure, it captures the spirit of hope in the depths of winter.