Some thoughts from Geoff Readman – our director

“Theatre is a form of cultural production, and so the idea of ‘culture’ is a crucial component in any account of how performance might contribute to wider social and political history.” (Baz Kershaw)

The creation and production of a Community Play presents a wonderful opportunity for local people to participate in a quite unique form of theatre. This particular play is unique because the narrative is drawn from historical local events, which we hope the audiences will be able to identify with. It is also unique because the themes and issues will be portrayed by local performers who have a genuine commitment to both understanding and interpreting significant events from within their community.

This production of ‘Devils Let Loose?” is likely to be a different kind of evening’s entertainment to that experienced by audiences during a conventional night at the theatre. The meaning will be communicated through the strengths and qualities of the musicians, technical staff and actors, in ways which are only possible when the production is built around the company’s interests, capabilities and creativity.

Why is it valuable to re-tell history through theatre? I believe that reflection on past events helps us to understand contemporary contexts, particularly when the re-telling has the benefits of so many informed perspectives and ideas, as this production will. have. Not only are ideas being sought from the cast, but members of the Play Committee have already uncovered valuable material through their personal research. A Community Play should be a celebration of a community’s culture, whilst offering a challenge or two in the telling. It is important that our play is not simply an endorsement of known events, but that it also raises questions in a compelling and interesting narrative. After all, the whole history of drama and theatre reflects plays and writers who have challenged, questioned and commented on the nature of humankind and society.

I am delighted that the Committee asked me to direct this production. I am enjoying it enormously, and I hope that the cast are too. I believe that the Creative Team has many combined strengths. We are sensitive to new ideas, willing to experiment and very experienced in our own artistic specialisms. At the moment, Simon Clark, writer, is doing wonders on creating the script, Liam Robinson, Musical Director, is inspiring us all with his selection of music, whilst Ann Yeates-Langley, Al Muir and Helen Peake work diligently to ensure that the long and demanding process of achieving an exciting production is assured.

Monks Abbey School Visit

Here are some of the letters we have received from pupils at Monks Abbey School, after their school visit to one of our workshops:

Hi this is Lia and Tiffany. We came to your workshop about the Riots in the 1911. It was in Lincoln at the train station. We can remember some of your play names and real names there was Angela, Kate, Noel, Liam and Geff. Tiffany's favourite part was the bit where Abigail and Michael DIED. Lia's favourite bit was the same as Tiffany's. We were both in the Abbey family. Thank you

Hi, it's Robbie from Monks Abbey School. Just emailing you to thank you it was so cool. I Really enjoyed it Jeff's a nice man so are all the other guys I liked the way Jeff said "1, 2, 3" and then he clicked his fingers and we all freezed. You'll hopefully get some more emails from us but not only me. W"e all had so much fun. I liked the family bit I was a Father, a Stepson and a Husband. I can safely say it was the best trip I have ever been to. My families name was the Goates. It's funny really, you called some of the family names animals. But all the people did so well in the play. I've enjoyed it alot Thanks!
Hopefully see you soon

I loved the trip, we came to your work shop about the riots in Lincoln. My favourite bit was when Michael got hit. I especially liked the part when we did the play, some of their names are Liam and Noel. Thank you. Ethan

Hi, my name is Lewis from Monks Abbey primary school and I had a brilliant time at your workshop. I liked the bit when liam ripped the flag but all of the workshop was good.I really liked the fact that it was set in Lincoln. I liked the bit where we did the acting too, my part was the son of the Logan family.

Hi my name is Lee and we came to your workshop. I am in Monks Abbey Primary School. I liked the part where you told us to get into a family and describe what we thought would happen next. We can still remember your names: Angela, Liam, Kate, Noel, Jeff. We came to watch you do your play. I was a person in the Logan family I was the one with the glasses and I was the dad. Thank you for letting us come.

My name is Emily. I really liked your little play about the riots in 1911. We can remember some of your names there was Liam the police man, Noel a dad and works where he can get a job , Angela who was very sad when Liam cut the flag and I think it was Kate Noels wife , Jeff was the person who helped us.  My favourite bit  was when Liam cut the flag in half. I hope your play is good and it is fun. Thank you

How is the Drill Hall? Its Sophie from Monks Abbey School. Class 10 and class 9 are thanking you for inviting us. We all had a fantastic time! On the way back every was talking about it. (It must of been a great job then)My fave part was when all the actors came to the families and started talking with us like they were there. We ALL had a marvellous trip. So once again, THANK YOU!!

Hi, I'm just writing to say how good our school trip to the drill hall was. I have found that most people that went said it was great and I thought it was fantastic. My favorite part was when we were trying to keep the gates closed because everyone got to join in, I also liked the part where we could choose our family name and we had to freeze when we were acting. Thank you very much I would love to go again!

Hi, I'm Matthew, and I much enjoyed our school visit to your drill hall. I liked the bit when we could do some drama with you , when we tried to keep the railway gates closed , but the police opened then. The choosing family name I also liked , alongside finding out about the characters. I'd love to visit  again. Thank You.

[Home] [Devil's Let Loose] [Photos] [Past Productions] [Oral History Group] [Contacts]