Blackbird by David Harrower

Directed by Amy Walker

Performance dates: 29th April to 3rd May 2025

The Play

15 years ago, Ray and Una had a relationship that ripped their lives and families apart. They haven’t set eyes on each other since.

Now she’s found him again
Una confronts Ray at his workplace , where the two engage in a long and difficult confrontation involving Una’s continuing struggles to understand and come to terms with the what happened and her intensely conflicting emotions, which pivot between anger, curiosity, confusion, and even a persistent attachment to
Ray, whom Una loved – and she believed that he loved her.

Ray, who is himself trying to forget the past and the potential feelings he had for Una, parries her demanding questions and descriptions of her feelings and experiences, all the while uncertain of her intentions…

The play follows a gruelling conversation between the two adults, examining how the choices made 15 years ago have shaped both of their lives.

They reflect on both the good and bad memories of their relationship and what their lives have been like since it ended.

Winner of the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2007, Blackbird is a play that grabs you from the first moment and won’t let go until the climax.

*This play explores challenging themes including sexual abuse.

Characters

Una – female, late 20s – a strong-willed but vulnerable woman whose past still
has a huge effect on her

Ray – male, mid 50s – a seemingly upright man trying to leave his past behind

There’s a little bit of room to go either side of these ages – the playing age
difference is more important than the actual ages.

*You do not have to be a member of the Bancroft Players to audition, but you will be expected to join if you are cast.

Scripts are available to borrow via the director. Please get in touch if you have
any questions: amylw1990@hotmail.co.uk

Audition Dates

Rehearsals

Tuesdays and Thursdays