Underdog: The Other Other Brontë
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Overview
A National Theatre and Northern Stage Production
Written by Sarah Gordon
Directed by Natalie Ibu
“Reader, I think you know who’s most quotable”
Charlotte Brontë has a confession to make about how one sister became an idol, and the other became known as the third sister. You know the one. No, not that one. The other, other one… Anne.
This is not a story about well-behaved women.
This is a story about the power of words. It’s about sisters and sisterhood, love and jealousy, support and competition.
Directed by Northern Stage Artistic Director Natalie Ibu (The White Card), Sarah Gordon’s (The Edit) new play is an irreverent retelling of the life and legend of the Brontë sisters, and the story of the sibling power dynamics that shaped their uneven rise to fame.
If a performance is sold out, email info@northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151 to be added to our waiting list.
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Production Photos and Reviews
★★★★★ “An evening of theatre as joyously invigorating as a brisk walk over the Yorkshire Moors” iNews
★★★★ “Raucously funny new play” London Theatre
★★★★ “A typically kick-ass Northern Stage production” – The Express
★★★★ “a compelling tale of sisterly rivalries” – The Reviews Hub
★★★★ “sensational and shocking evening of theatre” – West End Best Friend
★★★★ “utterly captivating” – All That Dazzles
★★★★ “an awful lot of fun” – The Arts Dispatch
Rehearsal Photos
Cast
Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones) as Charlotte Brontë
Adele James (Queen Cleopatra) as Emily Brontë
Rhiannon Clements (Hollyoaks) as Anne Brontë
James Phoon (Bridgerton) as Branwell Brontë/Ensemble
Nick Blakeley as Mrs Ingham/Elizabeth Gaskell/Ensemble
Julian Moore-Cook as George Smith/Mr Heger/Ensemble
Kwaku Mills as Tabby/Cunliffe/Ensemble
Adam Donaldson as Thomas Newby/Mr Brocklehurst/Ensemble
Creative Team
Playwright Sarah Gordon
Director Natalie Ibu
Movement Director Ingrid Mackinnon
Associate Movement Director Ana Beatriz Meireles
Set and Costume Designer Grace Smart
Lighting Designer Zoe Spurr
Sound Designer & Additional Music Alexandra Faye Braithwaite
Staff Director Natasha Haws
Casting Director Naomi Downham
Interpreter for BSL performances: Sue Lee
Age and Content Guidance
Suitable for ages 14+
This production contains themes of grief/death and addiction. It includes depictions of attempted suicide that some may find distressing.
Join us as we celebrate the lives and legacies of the Brontë sisters, whose work blazed a trail in English Literature – breaking down barriers and forcing a space for themselves in a system built to exclude them.
You can enjoy a series of events surrounding and celebrating Underdog: The Other Other Brontë, which we’ve co-produced with National Theatre, running from 7 to 22 June.
Grab some merch to commemorate your visit!
We’ve teamed up with the Brontë Parsonage Museum to celebrate the show. From bookmarks and brooches to badges, pencils and rubbers, you can grab a token to showcase your love for the literary legends.
Order your merch online now or from our box office when you visit for Underdog.
Plus, you can pre-order a physical or digital copy of the programme here, too.
There are two entrances to the theatre, Kings Road Entrance (this is the taxi drop-off/collection point) and the Main Entrance.
Both level entrances have automated doors. These lead into the foyer area where you will find the Restaurant, Bar, Box Office and entrances to Stages 1, 2 and 3.
STEP FREE ACCESS
Northern Stage is fully accessible. The theatre has three lifts providing access to all parts of the building, including the accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, stages 2 & 3 and the backstage area. Buggy parking is available
WHEELCHAIR SPACES
There are five wheelchair positions in Stage 1, two positions in Stage 2 and all seats are removeable in Stage 3.
TOILETS
We have a Changing Places toilet in the Stage 1 lobby and accessible toilets in Stage 3 and Stage 2 lower entrance lobby. Gender neutral toilets are situated in the Stage 2 lower entrance lobby.
HEARING ENHANCEMENT
Induction loop system in all public spaces, and an infra-red system in all three stages. (In Stage 1 the induction loop is best covered in rows E – L).
ASSISTANCE
One free ticket for the assistant of a disabled person who is not able to attend unaccompanied.
BOOKING COMPANION SEATING
To book a free ticket for a wheelchair companion or an assistant, contact our Box Office on 0191 230 5151, via email at boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk or by visiting our Box Office in person.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide, hearing and all working dogs are welcome here.
SEAT ACCESSIBILITY
Stage 1: Seats are 43 cm wide, 41cm deep, with 46cm between arm rests. The aisleway is 51cm deep from the seat back. Arm rests cannot be removed.
Stage 2: Seats are 40cm wide, 41cm deep. The aisleway is 64cm deep from the seat back. There are no arm rests.
Our seats are rated to British Standards at installation and are guaranteed to hold up to 110kg.
More Information
To discuss any access needs, take a look at our access page or please call our Box Office on 0191 230 5151.