THE WELL by the SOMETHING UNDERGROUND THEATRE CO.

Event information

Written and directed by Jonathan Brown, “Best New Play” winner (Brighton Fringe 2012 for The Last Lunch).

"In my dreams, I'm digging. I'm always digging. Digging my way out, or digging my way in."

It is 1862.
Who controls the Sacred Waters?
What forces bid you dig The World's Deepest Hand-Dug Well?
Why did your mother, a streetwalker, disappear and die when you were a boy?
Will you ever get out of this hole?

Unashamedly plot & character-driven theatre combining physical theatre, voice and innovative lighting. A powerful drama, set in Victorian Brighton, about the fateful lives, loves and losses of those digging the world's deepest hand-dug well, a well that stretches down as deep as the Empire State Building is high (and that actually exists in southern England) This stirring, sometimes disturbing rollercoaster incorporates tender, powerful, oft visceral performances from the cast, with achingly beautiful songs and visually stunning lighting.

With vivid writing, energetic and risk-taking physical theatre, a wonderfully dramatic set and stunning lighting, the Something Underground Theatre Company has created an evocative and atmospheric world, touching on the archetypal whilst grounded in themes of personal struggle, intimacy and love.

It's 1862, Jack is digging at the foot of a 1200 foot well, but - no water. Despite Jack's suspicions about this seemingly pointless exercise, and the ever-mounting expense, the Town Guardians order the digging to continue, to supply their planned workhouse. But Jack is also digging for the truth about his mother, Betsy, a prostitute who was found dead under the pier when he was a child. Now, in a relationship with Bella, another prostitute, he discovers too much; about those in power, and about Betsy...

Contains strong language and adult themes.

4 star review: "This production is a powerful example of physical theatre. The cast play not only the characters, but also the scenery and props on a bare stage in front of an edifice of scaffolding and ladders. They achieve this with some spectacular imagery aided by creative lighting and haunting songs. The audience is required to play its part by using their imagination and accepting that more than one person plays the same character. A hardworking cast of six balance the requirements of acting skills and exhausting physical activity while the production is enhanced by three acapella singers whose songs underline and punctuate the action." The Argus. Brighton.

There will be a cash bar available.

Tickets on the door: £12.

Please note that access involves bending low through a short tunnel and then, appropriately for this play, descending into an underground cylindrical shaft via a solid staircase. An extra layer of clothing is advised.