As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, Prime Theatre is to present an exciting new production that also places audience members centre stage, Punk Rock, by Simon Stephens.
The show will play at the Wyvern Theatre from Tuesday 1 to Thursday 3 August with all seats on the stage itself rather than in the auditorium.
As an extra bonus, ticket holders will be able to enjoy local teenage band Overload perform during the show. Punk Rock is the story of a group of teenagers whose lives are overturned when a new girl starts at their sixth form and adds to the already dangerous mix of peer pressure, sex and exams.
Benny George, 15, appears as school nerd Chadwick, and said “This is my fifth show with Prime and it’s been enjoyable getting to grips with such a brilliant script that tells it like it is in most schools. Having the audience sitting on stage with us will be exciting and scary at the same time.”
Prime’s Artistic Director and director of Punk Rock, Mark Powell commented, “Prime’s youth theatre productions are just as important as the professional ones that tour the UK. Members helped choose this exciting play that shows modern teenagers with all their highs and lows. The dramatic final scene will stay with people for some time after.”
For the first time, deaf theatregoers will be able to enjoy the entire experience too, with a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter integrated into the stage action for some shows. Unlike traditional BSL performances with a signer dressed in black and standing by the side of the stage, Punk Rock’s interpreter will be dressed in costume and be part of the drama itself.
Young actor and interpreter Laura Goulden, who will provide BSL during the show, added, “We have been having a great time in rehearsals. The play is both funny and tragic and signing both the songs and the action means this should be an extra-special experience for everyone.”
Tickets cost £15.50 & £10.50 and are available from the Wyvern Theatre ticket office by visiting the website or calling 01793 524481.
This performance does have an age guidance of 14+ due to swearing.
Signed performances are on Wednesday 2 & Thursday 3 August.
