We, like many theatre companies around the UK and around the world, were faced with the cancellation of shows, rehearsals and regular sessions when Covid-19 brought us all to lockdown.
One of these shows, one that we were particularly excited about, comes from our own ex-YT member and tourer, Ben Bridson.
Ben played the title role in our tour of Jason and the Argonauts a few years back, before heading off to university and drama school to hone his craft further. An incredibly talented young man, Ben's new play - The Dee, tells the story of two young people in a relationship more intense, at their age, than any they've experienced before. They stand on the edge of their own future, both faced with the cruel prospect of being forced to grow up before they are truly ready. Through Lottie and Oscar, we can all recognise something of what it is to be young and in love, and how it feels when that isn't enough.
Determined not to be stifled entirely during lockdown, last night we had our first developmental read through of the latest draft of the play. It's a great moment hearing a play out loud for the first time, as images really start to come to life. This was in no small part down to the skill and superb performances of Alivia Yemm and James Kelly. We called on the experience of many of our theatre-makers and collaborators to lend an ear to the read through and offer advice. We are, as ever, much obliged to the fabulous Grace Goulding, Chris Tomlinson, Felipe Pacheco, Colm McElwee, Ciara Durnford and Eric Blakemore for giving up their time to help us and Ben at this point in the play's development.
Obviously, at this point, there's no telling when we might see this fab new piece of writing gracing the stages of Liverpool. What we can do right now though, is share a little of that lockdown read through with you, so you too can get a sense of (and get excited for) The Dee.
Enjoy!