NS Archive 2019: Wonderland
Wed 27 Feb – Sat 9 Mar 2019
1983. Two 16 year olds wait nervously at the pithead. Guided by a veteran miner, they descend into the brotherhood, banter, searing heat and liquid blue light of Welbeck Colliery.
Meanwhile in London, an American CEO known as The Butcher is brought in to reform King Coal. Pits close and a strike is called.
A Tory MP tussles with his leader’s hard line ideology, whilst an eccentric dandy is sent undercover to break up the strike. Cracks appear on all sides as the embattled miners are torn apart trying to protect their livelihoods and families. Nothing will be the same again.
Wonderland is the spirited and uplifting drama written by a miner’s daughter. Expect dark humour and tension in this 360° look at the events leading up to and during the miner’s strike.
Credits
Cast
John Booker – Malcolm
Geff Francis – Tilsley/Nicholas Ridley/Milton Friedman/Security Guard/Chief of Metropolitan Police
Joshua Glenister – Jimmy
Karl Haynes – Bobbo
Paul Kemp – Peter Walker
Jack Quarton – Fanny
Nicholas Shaw – Spud
Giles Taylor – David Hart/Mr Bishop/Chief of Metropolitan Police
Robin Bowerman – Ian MacGregor
William Travis – Colonel
Creative Team
Beth Steel – Playwright
Adam Penford – Director
Morgan Large – Designer
Jack Knowles – Lighting Designer
Dan Saggars – Associate Lighting Designer
Jon Nicholls – Sound Design and Original Composition
Martin Curtis – Associate Sound Designer
Jack Quarton – Assistant Musical Director
Naomi Said – Movement Director
Jess Williams – Associate Movement Director
Kay Welch – Voice Coach
Sarah Bird CDG – Original Casting Director
Vicky Richardson – Original Casting Director
Sophie Arrott CDG – Revival Casting Director
Nicholas Shaw – Dance Captain
Jane Eliot-Webb – Company and Stage Manager
Sharlene Harvard-Young – Deputy Stage Manager
Kirsty Smith – Assistant Stage Manager
Production Photos
Reviews and Programme
Reviews
“Highly distinctive, not easily forgotten” British Theatre Guide
“A feast of a show” Only in Newcastle
“Poetic and powerful” Exeunt Magazine
Programme
View the programme for Wonderland.