David Barlow (Kelly) and Joe O'Byrne (Officer Scully)
I'm very fortunate to be involved with this excellent production again, this time backed by the Arts Council.
THE CELL is more than a play, it's a damning indictment of a prison system where the prisoners run the show, where officers are so disillusioned by this 'system' that they become part of the mechanics that abandons the weak to their fates. Oh I'm sure there will be people out there that will be saying '...all the prisons aren't like that.' But the scary truth is - many are. The death sentence is alive and kicking in some of these institutions. This is not a drama, it's a horror story. The play has three nights at The Unity Theatre, Liverpool this Tues 7th, Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th May at 8 pm, but this play should really be playing the main stage of every theatre in this country and the prisons minister, probation boards, governors and officers should be made to attend. If this happened I'm really not exaggerating when I say this play and the issues it tackles unflinchingly, would save lives. As a script I think it's an award winner - as a performance? It's devastating. I'm working with a powerhouse cast of David Barlow, Liam Tobin and Daniel Hayes, the play's direction is in the hands of the excellent Ron Meadows. I'm more than proud to be part of this band. As an audience member this play would stay with me for a long time, as a performer it has left a lasting impression on me - we walk past or drive by institutions regularly, I'll never do that again without shuddering internally, knowing what's going on within those walls.
THE CELL is more than a play, it's a damning indictment of a prison system where the prisoners run the show, where officers are so disillusioned by this 'system' that they become part of the mechanics that abandons the weak to their fates. Oh I'm sure there will be people out there that will be saying '...all the prisons aren't like that.' But the scary truth is - many are. The death sentence is alive and kicking in some of these institutions. This is not a drama, it's a horror story. The play has three nights at The Unity Theatre, Liverpool this Tues 7th, Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th May at 8 pm, but this play should really be playing the main stage of every theatre in this country and the prisons minister, probation boards, governors and officers should be made to attend. If this happened I'm really not exaggerating when I say this play and the issues it tackles unflinchingly, would save lives. As a script I think it's an award winner - as a performance? It's devastating. I'm working with a powerhouse cast of David Barlow, Liam Tobin and Daniel Hayes, the play's direction is in the hands of the excellent Ron Meadows. I'm more than proud to be part of this band. As an audience member this play would stay with me for a long time, as a performer it has left a lasting impression on me - we walk past or drive by institutions regularly, I'll never do that again without shuddering internally, knowing what's going on within those walls.
'Joe O’ Byrne’s portrayal of Scully’s mental breakdown is terrifying...'
Rosie Panter, The Mancunion
Rosie Panter, The Mancunion
You can book your tickets here http://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/whats-on/the-cell.html it would be great to see you...Joe x
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