WED 24 Sept – SAT 4 Oct
INFO
REVIEWS
CAST & CREATIVES
PHOTOS
INFO
“A play that leaves you caring deeply about its characters and which adds unusual poignancy to the dating game.”
Michael Billington, The Guardian
Every story starts somewhere…
It’s the early hours of the morning and Danny is the last straggler at Laura’s party. The flat’s in a mess…..and so are they. Maybe time for one more drink?
‘You didn’t fancy it then?’
‘Fancy what?’
‘Getting in the taxi.’
‘No.’
David Eldridge’s play Beginning is the first of a trilogy of plays (alongside Middle and End) looking at love and relationships.
A sharp and astute two-hander that takes an intimate look at the first fragile moments of risking your heart and taking a chance. It movingly reminds us that even in the age of social media and internet dating sites, forging a connection with other people remains as problematic as ever
Beginning was first staged at the National Theatre, London, in the Dorfman auditorium, in October 2017. It transferred to the Ambassadors Theatre in the West End in January 2018. David Eldridge is widely regarded as one of the prominent playwriting voices of his generation, whose productions have premiered across the UK.
A non-professional production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.
Content contains adult themes with occasional strong language.
Director's Notes
From the moment I picked up David Eldridge’s script I was fascinated by it. Beginning is an incredibly natural piece, and the play unfolds within the same timeframe as the audience watches. This makes for a very intimate and intense experience. It is funny and relatable and at many points, incredibly awkward.
David Eldrige said ‘Most of us are not as confident as characters generally are in romantic scenes in plays and films’. He wanted to create something that was a ‘commitment to reality’. It is this commitment that makes this play funny and warm.
Beginning explores forming relationships in an age of the internet. Building connections with these new tools to communicate doesn’t make it any easier.
It’s after midnight and Danny is the last remaining guest at Laura’s housewarming party. It seems that Danny has missed all Laura’s signals that she is interested in him. He is lonely, divorced and struggling with where he is in life. Laura is also lonely and is looking for her next step in life. They both need a new beginning, but can they do that together?
It has been such a joy to work with the team to bring the production to life. The creative and technical talent at The Loft is exceptionally dedicated. This production demonstrates the skill we have at the Loft to create something real and natural in all departments. My thanks to the stage management team who are a privilege to work with.
Finally, I can’t end without a word about my beautiful cast. This play is a huge undertaking, one which Chris and Cheryl have taken in their stride with hard work, humour and commitment to the characters and the style. It has been a joy to take on this challenge with them both.
I do hope you enjoy this production in all its clumsy, tender and awkward glory!
Oh and just a little warning it does get ‘so cringe’!
VIKI BETTS
REVIEWS
CAST & CREATIVES
Cast List
PHOTOS
Photos
