Strangers

Stage Write Productions presents

Strangers

written & directed by Nick Card

You never know who a stranger could turn out to be. They may appear to be innocuous and of no significance to you, however, according to the theory of the 'six degrees of separation', we are all connected to everyone else on the planet by just six human links. If this idea really is true then no-one is irrelevant and everybody can in fact affect your life…and it might be in a way you would never have thought possible.

The way strangers are connected to each other is central to this dark and disturbing play. A southern man and a northern woman meet by chance (or maybe fate) in a Yorkshire pub. Normally they would have had nothing to do with each other but this unplanned encounter leads to an unexpected opportunity, which, when seized makes them both question everything they ever knew. They should have listened when something in their hearts told them it was wrong, but now their lives have changed forever…

The play has only two characters which results in the man and the woman being thrust under a psychological microscope. The nature of their relationship develops in parallel to the unfolding narrative which builds to a jaw dropping twist. And when the naked truth is finally revealed this pair of strangers are forced to grapple with the raw reality in an emotionally gruelling concluding sequence.

This production is bold and uncompromising, it's neither graphic or explicit but it does explore some very challenging material in a way that some viewers may find unsettling. It certainly isn't Walt Disney, it's for those of you who like a deeply visceral experience that will force an emotional reaction.

However, what separates Strangers from a lot of other dark theatrical productions is the distinct absence of malice within the play. The character's woes and their extremely unpleasant plight are solely the result of unforeseen circumstances rather than one of them having some nefarious scheme designed to hurt the other. Their battle is with the wicked vicissitudes of life instead of a more egocentric power struggle.

Strangers stars Emily Browne, who was nominated for 'Best Supporting Actress' at the Totton Drama Festival & Steve Schollar, was nominated for 'Best Supporting Actor' at the Henley Drama Festival. It's written & directed by Nick Card whose play, The Interview, had a very successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Feedback from the online zoom performance of "Strangers"

"I would urge you to watch this." (Four Stars)

Elaine Chapman (Independent Theatre & Film Reviewer)

This is a Clapham Fringe event

Sunday 26th September at 1pm

Tickets: £7.50 | Concessions: £5.50

Running Time: 40 minutes

Contains sensitive material. Age recommendation 16+