Black Toffee return to Manchester with a run of performances of their latest production, Parallel, at Hope Mill Theatre.
Parallel is a thought-provoking and innovative new play, which tours the North of England this Autumn, co-produced by Harrogate Theatres.
Anna is stranded. Beth came for a think. C just wants some kip. Three women meet by chance late at night. None of them really want to be there, yet none of them leave. It is a rare moment of stillness in a hectic modern world, bringing both solace and discomfort. With only loose change, some booze and a dodgy carrot at their disposal, will any of them find their way home?
Three women will be played by a talented cast who will learn all three parts. A dice roll by an audience member decides which parts the actors will play at every performance. There are in effect, six different versions of the play.
Parallel is a darkly comic drama, which highlights the personal stories behind homelessness. The play is hugely pertinent, as the national housing crisis worsens and rough-sleeping has doubled since 2010. As well as highlighting this important social issue, Parallel also explores our broader understanding of home, purpose and charity, through the lives of three strangers, who desperately need to connect.
The cast are confirmed as Janet Kumah, Arabella Gibbins, and the writer herself, Laura Lindsay.
Janet Kumah trained at the University of North London and The Impulse Company. She has a wealth of experience across stage, TV and film, as well a strong musical background. Theatre credits include the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of Rites, the West End smash-hit, The Bodyguard; and a UK tours of Fame and Snakes and Ladders; while her TV and film credits include Wagstaffe, 50 Ways To Kill Your Lover, and Containment.
Arabella Gibbins graduated from The Oxford School of Drama. Her comedy group, Laughing Stock, recently returned from their second year at the Edinburgh Fringe, where their five-star sell-out show has placed them firmly on the comedy map. Arabella played the lead in the musical Poppies earlier this year, which premiered at The Space Theatre in London to wide critical acclaim. Other theatre credits include A Streetcar Named Desire, With You Always, The City A Short While Ago, and The Canterbury Tales.
As well as writing and producing Parallel, Laura Lindsay also takes to the stage as part of the three-strong female cast. A graduate of Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre, her acting credits include the national tour of Hidden after a sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe, Partus, FUSE, You Once Said Yes, and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Her screen credits include Emmerdale, Prisoners Wives, Unload and Fall Out.
The production sees Laura Lindsay, Black Toffee’s founder, join forces again with Director James Baker. The pair enjoyed recent success and critical acclaim with the musical Parade at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester.
Parallel is performed at Hope Mill Theatre from 1-5 November 2016
