A darkly comic and uncomfortably recognisable reflection on the pressures of family life, Red Ladder’s surreal production of Emma Adam’s FORGOTTEN THINGS will be playing at the Pleasance King Dome (Venue 23) from 5 to 31 August at 1.50pm. FORGOTTEN THINGS follows the story of one boy’s often futile fight to be heard above the noise of everyday life. Fusing puppetry, physical performance and theatrical trickery Red Ladder have created a visually enticing cross-generational show which will make young people and their families stop and listen.
Teenagers make mistakes, it’s part of growing up; making that journey from a fumbling adolescent to adulthood is supposed to be complicated. Toby is a teenager whose feelings of hopelessness are overwhelming. Misunderstood by his self-absorbed parents he has come to the conclusion that he will never really be heard. In an attempt to comprehend their son’s past mistakes his parents enlist the help of Dr. Kevin whose rather unorthodox methods of therapy push them to their limits. But Toby finds solace in the most unusual place; entrusted with the care of Grandma Lilly as she anxiously tries to unravel her past, he discovers that, despite her dementia, she is the only one who will ever truly listen.
Bradford-born Emma Adams is one of the North’s emerging new playwriting talents. Emma currently has a children’s feature film THE BIG BAD in development with Afan Films and Future Films. Red Ladder’s Artistic Director Rod Dixon and puppet maker John Barber co-direct FORGOTTEN THINGS. Rod’s past productions for the company include WHERE’S VIETNAM? and DOORS. John is a puppet maker, animator and designer. He was Artistic Director of Open Hand Theatre Company and commissions have included West Yorkshire Playhouse, Bolton Octagon and The Library Theatre.
Woody Murray returns to the role of Toby/Dr. Kevin, his other credits include THE TEMPEST (Marlowe outdoor season, Canterbury) and WIDOWS (Arcola). Playing Philip is Steve Mosley whose past credits include ONCE UPON A QUARRY HILL (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and DOORS (Red Ladder). Lilly is played by Jo Mousely her credits include A TASTE OF HONEY (The Lowry-Studio Theatre) and BLOOD WEDDING (Liverpool Playhouse). Playing Mum Margot is Simone Lewis her credits include SUITCASE STORIES (Sheffield Theatres).
