Synopsis
“It’s chaotic – a bit of love, a bit of lust an there you are.
We don’t ask for life, we have it thrust upon us.”
A Taste of Honey, Shelagh Delaney’s career defining play, is coming to Leicester this autumn prior to the West End. This British classic is an exhilarating depiction of working-class life in post-war Salford.
Bijan Sheibani (Barber Shop Chronicles) directs Jodie Prenger (Oliver!, One Man, Two Guvnors, Abigail’s Party, Calamity Jane) as Helen in this new production from The National Theatre, producers of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. This new production features a live on-stage band.
When her mother Helen runs off with a car salesman, feisty teenager Jo takes up with Jimmy, a sailor who promises to marry her, before he heads for the seas. Art student Geoff moves in and assumes the role of surrogate parent until, misguidedly, he sends for Helen and their unconventional setup unravels.
Written by Shelagh Delaney when she was nineteen, A Taste of Honey is one of the great taboo-breaking plays of the 1950s, offering an explosive celebration of the vulnerabilities and strengths of the female spirit in a deprived and restless world.
Age Recommendation: 13+
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AFTER-SHOW DISCUSSION
Thu 24 Oct, following the 7.30pm performance
Tickets
£32.50 – £10
DISCOUNTS*
£12 Under 16s
£18 16 – 26 yrs (with a FREE 16 – 26 Membership).
£12 Under 18 school groups
15% off for Members, or 2-4-1 tickets on Tue 22 Oct, Fri 25 Oct, Sat 26 Oct, 7.30pm
£4 off Groups 10+
*Discounts are subject to availability and may be removed at any time. Only valid on certain performances - terms and conditions apply.
Credits & Acknowledgments
BY SHELAGH DELANEY
DIRECTOR BIJAN SHEIBANI
DESIGNER HILDEGARD BECHTLER
LIGHTING DESIGNER PAUL ANDERSON
COMPOSER PAUL ENGLISHBY
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR ALINE DAVID
SOUND DESIGNER IAN DICKINSON FOR AUTOGRAPH
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Cast & Creative
Gemma Dobson
Jodie Prenger
Durone Stokes
Stuart Thompson
Tom Varey
Liam Bessell
Katy Clayton
Claire Eden
Marcel White
Reviews
A Taste of Honey remains worth savouring
Daily Telegraph
Fresh and frank with stand out performances.
Jodie Prenger is extraordinary.The Stage
Funny, moving and heart-felt... A vibrant new take on a modern classic
Edinburgh Evening News