Charley's Aunt

by Brandon Thomas | directed by Cassie Tillett
10-12, 16-19 July 2025 7.30pm | Matinée 19 July 2025 2.30pm

Photography: Andrew Evans

Two Oxford undergraduates are in love with two lovely young women. The men need a chaperone in order to spend time with their ladies, and Charley’s aunt – whom he has never before met – is conveniently due to visit. When plans are thwarted by the aunt’s sudden delay, alternative plans must be made...

***

"Great to come and see you treading the boards last night. I thought it was bloody brilliant. The energy and comic timing was spot on. As for your imposter his facial expressions and mannerisms just made it. Please congratulate everyone - one of the best ‘amateur’ productions I have seen and there was absolutely nothing amateur about last night - totally professional." Jose

"... You might fall off your chair laughing as joke after joke is poured out with some great slapstick from Charley and Jack...  I hope we will see some of the younger cast members spreading their wings into professional production, they really are very capable. In this performance nothing seems dated and the costumes are beautiful... This cast add so much to the script. They are confident and have perfect timing in a fast moving play. If you can find a ticket make sure you don’t miss this terrific show." Julian Swainson - Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

"A first class show, brilliant cast, wonderful set and amazing costumes, it takes a lot to make me laugh out loud but this show had me in stitches! I wish I could see it again! Really well done to everyone." Vanessa

"I just wanted to congratulate you on Charley’s Aunt. I saw the production last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very funny and the set amazing! The show I went to was a sell out, rightfully so." Lauren

"It was brilliant – we loved it!" Sarah

"We greatly enjoyed the show; congratulations to you and to all involved - if we were locals we would definitely be along to most shows! It is a lovely venue." Stephen

"I saw it twice, and it was a fabulously funny and brilliant play. Excellent cast and the comedic timing was perfect." Stephy

"Thank you for a lovely escapist afternoon. I've never been a huge farce fan, but it was great to just be carried away by a ridiculous story, and acted perfectly OTT! You must be pleased to have a sell out audience who obviously enjoyed it as much as I did." Jenny

"Last night, I took the pleasurable solo opportunity of watching Rachel Carney totally smash her role as Amy in ‘Charley’s Aunt’. Overall, I witnessed a most entertaining, physical and totally enthralling theatre experience, which had the audience in stitches! Every humorous opportunity was grabbed with both hands by the whole cast, which shows a skilled director was at the helm!" Keri

"Great fun and a very slick performance. Really enjoyed it.  I thought it was a really strong cast. I last saw the play 56 years ago." Neighbour of cast member

"Brilliantly funny performances from a fantastic cast. We loved it!" Becky

"Some famous person must once have stated that a good farce succeeds when none of its participants are individually farcical.  Nor, I think, should the premise of its plot be too ridiculous.  Last Friday evening, I watched ten totally believable people getting themselves into and out of various more or less plausible troubles, and the effect was hilarious.  The action ranged from the zany to the very moving, with a lot[!] of calories burned in between... To keep a measure of control over these exuberant actors in the rehearsal process, and to train them up to the mark in the required precision and slickness, is a feat in itself, and  I have to say that Cassie Tillett the director, with her extensive and varied experience ... has again, like Daisy, pulled it off gloriously to reveal these visual delights and warm excitements for our indulgence and enjoyment." Rob

"If you're looking for hidden depth, you needn't bother. It's simply a sweet, riotously funny play that shows the daft things that people in love do. And it was charmingly brought to life with great aplomb by Director Cassie Tillett and her talented company." Ray Tempesta - East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]

"What a fun and laughter filled evening!! Charley’s Aunt at the Sewell Barn Theatre is absolutely everything a farce should be. Energy and pace is critical in such a piece and it was pitch perfect from the moment the lights went up. There are some wonderful performances led confidently and brilliantly by the three main protagonists Jack, Charley and Fanny Babbs. It is hilarious, it is physical (Cassie Tillett’s direction choreographs the actors around the stage wonderfully ) and it is a rip-roaring joy! I came away with my heart lifted and my face aching so that should tell you everything. Tickets are flying out of the box office (I believe some performances are already sold out) so grab one while you can! Congratulations all!" Alison

"[The plot] provides hours of laughter, confidently directed by Cassie Tillett, who leads the cast into brilliant physical comedy set-pieces within minutes of being on stage. Indeed, special credit for this must go to Jeremiah Humphreys-Piercy, Jamie Radcliffe and Barney Matley (playing Jack, Charley and Fanny Babbs respectively) for their enormous physical energy and sense of mischief as the only characters fully aware of the ruse. In fact, the whole cast make use of any moment to create comedy, even down to the character of Brassett, Chesney's straight-talking butler, getting drawn into the boys' shenanigans." Niamh Duncan - UK Theatre Network [click here for full review]

"What a great performance, Cassie, honestly one of the funniest and most engaging I’ve ever seen at the Barn!  The camera struggled to keep pace with the action but I think I’ve got some good ones…" Andrew, our photographer, after taking our dress rehearsal photographs

"A funny, foolish, fast-paced piece; a little midsummer night’s dream." James Goffin - Cultivated [click here for full review]

"This is a fabulous production. Lots of fun and a very talented cast. Go see if while you can!" Jane

Our usual audience feedback board was completely full by the end of the first half of the run, so we took a photograph, erased it and started again!

Foxfinder

by Dawn King | directed by Stephen Keyworth

29-31 May and 4-7 June 7:30pm | matinee on 7 June 2:30pm

Photography: Barry Parsons

 "What a deliciously dark story, full of portent, symbols and fears. Stunning, shocking and strong. Congratulations to all involved with this both on and back stage. Utterly memorable." Zanna

"Probably the greatest tribute I can pay to Foxfinder is that I can't get it out of my mind today after watching the matinee yesterday!!" Robin

"This was a truly excellent production! Congratulations to everyone involved. Still thinking about it…" Shelagh

"All four cast members bring stellar performances to this production, bringing the emotional depth that exists in a world where belief is everything...  If you want an evening of brilliantly written and thought provokingly eerie drama I would highly recommend catching this play at the Barn while you still can." Niamh Duncan - UK Theatre Network [click here for full review]

"Saw the most fantastic production of Foxfinder at the Sewell Barn Theatre this week. A gripping dystopian tale with haunting relevance to this day and age. Stellar performances from the cast and such a brilliant atmosphere created in the room. Not one to miss if you get the chance! Cannot recommend this more!" Jeremiah

"A strange and disturbing dystopian world unfurls in this gripping and unsettling thriller... It is a captivating two hours." James Goffin - Cultivated [click here for full review]

"Brilliant. A fantastic evening. So very well performed. Suspenseful and dark. Fabulous." Lolly

"A palpable tension binds the cast in an overall flawless performance." Ray Tempesta - East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]

"...it is a powerfully presented drama that raises important questions. If you like dense, dark and tense thrillers you will enjoy this, if you are already convinced that the world gets ever more grim day by day this will not improve your mood. Yet however bad the daily newsreels are, we can rely on one constant bonus in life: Sewell Barn Theatre always pull out all the stops to give us the very best version of the plays they present in their atmospheric building." Julian Swainson - Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

Design for Living

by Noel Coward | directed by Clare Howard

10-12 and 16-19 April at 7.30pm | 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 19 April

Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts Photography

"Noel Coward’s “three sided erotic hotch potch” sparkles from start to finish in this gloriously funny production... The interactions between Gilda, Otto, Leo, and Ernest, are a network of creative inspirations and frictions that spur them all on in different ways, a recognition that connections between people can take many different forms. This Sewell Barn production brings them swirling and somersaulting on to the stage with panache." James Goffin, Cultivated [click here for full review]

"Design For Living - a glittering diamond of a play! Feel proud Clare Howard and cast - feel very proud! Like a diamond this glittering production had many facets - the sets, the costumes, the acting - all honed and perfect! I hated the people - hated the way they treated Ernest - hated the sharp self destructive nature of the trio! And what a trio! Superb sharp playing chaps! The acerbic Mrs Hodges - just wonderful Zanna Foley - Davis! But at the centre of it all - Gilda! - Hollie Harrington-Ball this was your play!" Robin S

"Congratulations, Clare, Hollie and the full company of Design for Living. Coward is notoriously difficult to do well, however, you pulled it off brilliantly! Hollie - Your performance was a triumph, a real tour de force!" Robin W

"Just back from yet another wonderful evening at @sewellbarn theatre. Noel Coward’s Design For Living is one of his deeper and more difficult plays and it is brought to life brilliantly in this production.  Sparkling, fast paced dialogue, obviously witty and acerbic, but also sometimes touching and intimate is handled effortlessly by a hugely talented cast.  The timing is perfect and the whole thing looks utterly beautiful and stylish!  It’s on a short break now but resumes again next week. Get yourselves tickets while you can!!" Alison

"Do see it. Sharp, challenging, witty and poignant; Noël Coward's bohemian ménage à trois are rooted in a 1930s world of privilege but their ideas sound very modern. Congratulations to all!" David

"Loved this performance from start to finish, witty, pacy, and entertaining. Congratulations to all." Jamie

"Saw the play last night, absolutely brilliant!" Sue

"Sewell Barn have given us a stimulating, even sexy, production of what must be considered one of Coward’s more difficult plays. The interactions between the three in the triangle of passion are very convincing and beautifully played and they are well supported by the other members of the ten strong cast. I am sure this will be a popular drama so I recommend that you get your tickets now – take your lover, or if you are lucky, both of them!" Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

"Absolutely superb opening night! Loved it." Jane

"These three difficult roles [Gilda, Otto and Leo] are played with aplomb by Hollie Harrington, Alex Tiller and Lewis Garvey. Garvey's Leo and Tiller's Otto are alternatingly hilarious as they quaff brandy, and heart-breaking as they lose the affections of Gilda. The excellent physicality and comic timing of these two actors brilliantly hints at the homoeroticism heavily implicit in the text... Harrington's Gilda meanwhile grapples with the challenges of being a 'modern girl', both expected to marry and have babies, while desperate to live out a passionate life to the full. It is a testament to Harrington that she manages to explore this fully without allowing the evening to tip into tragedy... The supporting cast also add greatly to the comedy, whether that is displaying the bickering of the young married Carvers or the fastidiousness of the bachelor art dealer Ernest. Particular credit must be given to Zanna Foley-Davies for her performance as Miss Hodge, Leo's cleaner. Her incredible comic timing greatly added to the central act of the play." Niamh Duncan, UK Theatre Network [click here for full review]

"Excellent performances, well done the whole team." Jonathan

"Again, as with the recent production of The Clearing, some absolutely outstanding performances here. A great night in the theatre." Matthew 

***

Tickets www.ticketsource.co.uk/sewellbarn / phone 0333 6663366

Contains adult themes

The Clearing

by Helen Edmundson | directed by Chris Bealey
27 February–1 March and and 5–8 March at 7.30pm
2.30pm matinee on Saturday 8 March

Contains adult themes and some use of theatrical haze.
Please note: we will have a collection for Refugee Action at every performance.

Tickets www.ticketsource.co.uk/sewellbarn, or by phone 0333 6663366.

Photography: Grant Barker

Ireland, 1652. Robert and Madeleine Preston welcome their first child into the world. But their happy world is about to come under threat when news reaches them of trouble brewing from across the sea - Cromwell has a plan for Ireland. A deeply emotive and profound piece, originally performed in 1993, it remains grimly relevant to our current times.

*

"The acting as ever in this delightful theatre is of the highest standard, and good use is made of the versatile performance space in this intimate venue... With a capable cast and a powerful story this is a perfect evening of theatre in Norwich, just the thing to banish the winter blues and send you home inspired to be a better person." Julian Swainson - Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

"At the weekend we went to see The Sewell Barn Theatre Company's excellent production of The Clearing by Helen Edmundson. My dear friend Chris Bealey directed and played in this superb show. It was taut, highly focussed and superbly characterised. The set, also by Chris, was a brilliantly crafted image of change and struggle. Norwich is blessed with some remarkable theatres, The Sewell Barn being just one. A treat." Graham

"The Clearing matinee today. My god, this was really something! Absolutely gripping from beginning to end. Cast, set and effects superb. This wasn't just a play - this was an experience!" Robin

"It was an incredibly emotive performance. I'm in awe of everyone. The performers, direction, set are all superb. Huge congratulations to everyone involved!" Jane

"Congratulations on a superb performance [of The Clearing]. It was so powerful and well presented and still relevant today." Maureen 

"What an evening of excellence. The Clearing at the Sewell Barn is an exceptional piece of writing, stunningly staged with some of the best performances I think I've ever seen in this wonderful space. There are two more chances to se this. Run, don't walk." Alison

"Blimeeeey - The Clearing! What a show! Everything about it was pitch perfect - the acting, the lighting, the set, the music... *chef's kiss*" Hollie

"What a phenomenal play. What a beautiful stage design. What a powerful cast. How frighteningly relevant." Hans

"Highly recommended! Powerful and thought-provoking … the time just whizzed by. The cast was great, the set is intriguing and I particularly enjoyed the Irish accents and beautiful singing." Shelagh

"Belated thanks and congratulations to The Clearing team. Distressing history of course, plus the kind of vivid character exposure that occurs only in good live theatre. One to remember." David

"Brilliant performances by John Davis and Hannah Jones... The whole cast gave excellent performances, from David McCabe's brooding Pierce, to Jo Parker-Sessions 'sweet strange' Killaine, to the gorgeous work by the two musicians. In many ways what stood out most were the powerful moments of ensemble movement and music, proof of both a cohesive company of performers and a strong directorial vision from Chris Bealey." Niamh Duncan - UK Theatre Network [click here for full review]

"[A] brilliant production with superb acting (and singing) across the piece. I was moved to tears by the end. Very moving and alarmingly relevant. Phil's signature floor painting stole the set once again! You must all be so proud of this year’s programme so far this year - absolutely fabulous!" Shelagh

"Just a stunning play, watch it if you can!!" Sue

"Superb performance last night of The Clearing. The two leads & 'Susannah' in particular gave intense yet credible portrayals worthy of a play with things to say both then & now.  Congratulations to all involved in the production". Instagram: @mabqc

"The fortunes of a young couple and two nations are cruelly bound together in this evocative historical drama... Hannah Jones particularly brings it alive with an emotionally rich and impressively nuanced performance." James Goffin, Cultivated [click here for full review]

"The long and complex history of the Irish question is not easily explained but, watching The Clearing last night at the Sewell Barn Theatre enhanced my understanding of the tragedy created over so many years. Chris Bealey and his fine team of creatives have produced a moving piece of theatre which, although set in the 17th century, resonates all too painfully with our current world situation. This is communicated beautifully by a polished ensemble, underscored with spare but powerful singing. Congratulations to all!" Clare Williamson [Sewell Barn FOH Manager]

"This show is moving, relevant and beautifully produced." Julian Swainson

Richard II

 by William Shakespeare | directed by Sabrina Poole

16-18 and 22-25 January

“The children yet unborn shall feel this day as sharp to them as thorn.”

In order to silence a dispute before it turns bloody, King Richard banishes his cousin Henry Bolingbroke from England’s shores. But in his absence, Richard sees an opportunity and seizes his cousin’s lands to finance his costly wars. Angered, Bolingbroke breaks his exile and returns seeking justice. As Richard’s rule becomes increasingly unstable, Bolingbroke’s actions set in motion a series of violent events that will change the future of England forever.

A timeless story of corruption and power, and the complexities of loyalty in the face of a flawed ruler.

Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts

"Sometimes the stars just align beautifully. An exceptional set of actors, the richest of texts, and a Director whose positive influence and clear vision is obvious. This production of Richard II is one of those instances... With such compelling drama and an awesomely powerful portrayal, Richard II at the Sewell Barn Theatre is simply one not to be missed." Ray Tempesta - East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]

"I just had to pen you a missive on this one. Full house last night and the performance was astounding. Just to enter the auditorium took one’s breath away. The set / lighting was so imposing and the soundscape really effective. And that’s all before the acting! Some great character acting - loved John of Gaunt and Bolingbroke as well as York, Duchess of Gloucester…. and more. BUT Richard was stunning from beginning to end and can’t get him out of my head. At times he reminded me of Elon Musk - powerful, arrogant, vulnerable and petulant. A complete capture of the changing mood, tone, and fundamental isolation of a young king. Bravo to the Barn! It was brilliant! What a tale for our times! I want to see it again!" Shelagh

" [The] Sewell Barn Theatre are known to like a challenge and they have taken this lesser known script and made an absolute belter of a production.... Director Sabrina Poole has picked a cast who bring well defined character to build on Shakespeare’s script and add interest to an already gripping drama. Jez Pike is mesmerising as Richard, with a stary eyed intensity that reminded me of a host of performers from Graham Norton to Emo Philips managing to be both frighteningly megalomaniac and pathetically vulnerable almost in the same breath. His is a landmark performance... The Sewell Barn Company have crafted a superb production of this lesser known Shakespeare play and I am grateful that they have introduced me to it in such great style." Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

"I saw it last night and was really looking forward to seeing a play that I absolutely love. What a brilliant production with all round good performances. The lighting and sound were used to great effect on a striking set.  The production uses all available spaces really effectively.  Stand out performance from Richard II, wonderful direction; go and see it." Trudy

"Just back from Richard II at the Sewell Barn Theatre and highly recommend that you see it if you can. The storytelling is superb, and the cast bring great clarity to the narrative; the production values are outstanding and the many fight scenes exciting! It whizzes along and I was totally absorbed. Many congratulations to director Sabrina Poole and her whole team." Clare

"Before watching this performance Richard II probably wouldn't have even cleared my top five, but this well-wrought production has made me reconsider my rankings.... this was a very powerful production which made me evaluate the play with new eyes." Niamh Duncan - UK Theatre Network [click here for full review]

"Congrats to all involved in Richard II which we really enjoyed last night. Particularly impressed with the clear line delivery by all. Also impressed with the music used ... It was good to meet up with Ruby who I’ve worked with before and what a great performance from her - such a highly competent actor." David

"A fantastic production and great performances from the actors." Julian

"Saw the opening night of Richard II at the Sewell Barn Theatre on Thursday and I have to admit to reading a wiki synopsis beforehand as I didn't know the play and was braced for a confusing history lesson. I needn't have worried. In director Sabrina Poole's capable hands the storytelling was clear and the narrative had a terrific energy throughout. The cast of 18 worked with precision as an ensemble with great timing and choreography, enhanced by powerful sound and lighting to create an edge of the seat drama. And it was great to see proper sword fighting, swishy cloaks and gloves being flung down as challenges in every direction! Well done to Sab and her team - they deserve a few days off before the play opens again for 5 more performances next week Wed - Sat. Get your tickets now!" Clare Williamson, Sewell Barn FOH Manager

"[Jez] Pike is a haughty, cruel, and slightly manic monarch and roams the Sewell Barn’s intimate stage with assurance... This is a rare chance to catch one of Shakespeare’s lesser performed plays, with plenty of unique quirks to challenge those more familiar with the piece." James Goffin, Cultivated [click here for full review]

"Go see it!! Not the greatest of fans of Shakespeare like me? Still go... you won't regret it... I didn't!" Ginny

The Lives of Bosie

by John Wolfson | directed by Selwyn Tillett

5-7 December 2024

Bosie – Lord Alfred Douglas – was Oscar Wilde’s young lover. His role in Wilde’s tragic downfall, instigated by his father the Marquess of Queensberry, is part of the legend. What then happened to Bosie is left out of most history books, yet is equally dramatic: he converted to Catholicism, vilified Wilde, and became a crusader against homosexuality as well as a savage contender in numerous court cases for libel.

We meet Lord Alfred in 1945. Close to death, he is confronted with a visitation from his younger self. They argue, criticise and unpick each other’s lives and reputations. It is a painful and darkly humorous analysis, based entirely on fact.

Photography: Barry Parsons

"I'd never been to your theatre before and it was a real delight. The front of house staff were all charming and very welcoming. And the theatre itself is just wonderful. I was also extremely impressed by the play. Firstly, the staging was a brilliant use of the space, I thought. And the performances of the three actors were absolutely first-rate. I find it hard to believe you're an amateur company. It's invidious to single out any of the actors for special praise, but if anybody forced me to do so I would like to pay tribute to the young actor who played Bosie. That was an absolute tour de force and I would say he would have a very bright future as a professional actor. Thanks again. I hope to be back." Nick

"Overall this was an impressive theatrical experience and I suspect it could have filled the theatre for many more performances than the handful offered. It is a production that I could see doing very well in other venues although I can understand that the Sewell Barn crew are an experienced team who make the very best use of their atmospheric venue and may not wish to spread their wings too far. The closeness of the audience to the performers in the Barn gives an intimacy which helps us to believe the basic premise of this bold play. A triumph for the writer, director and actors and all who helped them to make it happen." Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

"Marvellous night last night. This small cast kept the audience rapt throughout the play. It was both entertaining and instructive. If you are interested in Oscar Wilde or in the LGBTQ+ community you must see this play and these talented performers." John

"Your UK premiere of Bosie gave us a very enjoyable evening. You did well to manage a very demanding text and construct, pulling it .off with style and panache. Excellent performances and memorable scenes - Jonathan giving a master class in cameo performances! Well done to you all." Shelagh & Alan

"Director Selwyn Tillett got his choice of protagonists absolutely spot-on, with each of the three performers commanding attention throughout, and delivering performances brimming with a delightful deftness.  The production is notable for being the premiere on UK soil for the play (and also an impressive directorial debut for Selwyn Tillett), so it was well worth checking out for that reason alone, however, coupled with some powerhouse performances from three fine actors, and its very short run, it makes it an absolute must-see. Catch it while you can." Ray Tempesta - East Anglian Theatre Podcast

"It was brilliant!" Etta

"Massive congratulations to Selwyn and the whole cast & crew. We were utterly transfixed & absorbed!" Sarah

"Brilliant, very powerful." Ruth

"Thank you for a very memorable and enjoyable performance yesterday. I was blown away by it. Excellent acting, perfect casting and you must be so pleased that you had the chance to direct such a personal play. How they manage to remember such vast amounts of dialogue, and deliver it with such pace and conviction, leaves me in awe. It certainly bore out the adage that those who veer towards such thoughts and feelings, condemn the most vehemently and it didn't do the church any favours in light of recent events did it? I hope you were duly proud of directing the English premiere and it will now get much more airing. Lovely to have the reference to Weston Longville too!!" Jenny [Email to director]

***

We have been delighted to receive a late review from Sean Titley of the Oscar Wilde Society, as published in their magazine Intentions:

"The Lives of Bosie is a quite wonderful piece of drama. It offers comedy, longing, the devil of memory and the impossibility of re-writing the past. The Sewell Barn production utilised a minimalist set, comprising little more than a writing desk, a sofa, a table and a few scattered magazines (including The Spirit Lamp) thus concentrating attention on performance. 

Jeremiah Humphreys-Piercy played the younger self of Bosie with a wicked turn of eye. He captured the egotism and narcissism, the later vulnerability, and the continued self-absorption of the character to perfection. He had a worthy foil in Rob Fradley-Wilde’s aging Lord Alfred who added just the right amount of gravitas and tortured despair at the behaviour of his younger self.

Rounding off a first-rate cast, Jonathan Cooke played the difficult multiple roles of Memory – presumably it was no easy task to portray Bosie’s wife Olive and Oscar Wilde within moments of each other. He accomplished it splendidly.

Congratulations must also go to the excellent direction of Selwyn Tillett. A friend of the playwright for fifty years and suitably attired with a green carnation buttonhole, he welcomed his Norwich audience with aplomb and style."

After Electra

by April de Angelis | directed by Clare Williamson

21-23, 27-30 November 7.30pm. Matinée 30 November 2.30pm

It’s Virgie’s 84th birthday and she’s come to a momentous decision. Never one to toe the line, she is determined to announce her wishes as her family and friends gather to celebrate her special day. However, Virgie has always been more committed to art than motherhood and she has not reckoned on her guests’ determination to thwart her highly unusual birthday plans.

A thought provoking and scabrously funny black comedy that pulls no punches, exploring family relationships and the impact of past decisions on future lives.

Photography: Andrew Evans

"I would highly recommend this play to any fans of art history, or dark comedy, or simply anyone who wants a deeply thought provoking while also viciously funny evening." Niamh Duncan, UK Theatre Network [click here for full review]

"While the subject matter could be seen as difficult the play is not; it has lots of humour and some great one liners and is delivered with zest and enthusiasm by this talented ensemble. A play to enjoy and then talk about for many days to come." Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

"Susan Newstead as Virgie drives the action with a remarkable performance: waspish, caustic, and cruel as she debates with her daughter Haydn (Mandy Kiley); then by turns subtle and subdued, and heart-achingly passionate, as the plot progresses. It is a captivating watch." James Goffin, Cultivated [click here for full review]

[Comment on the previous review] "Great review. Although it grates a bit to read that John and Sarah ‘complete the cast’. They do so much more than that. They bring a really important counterpoint to the other relationships and both actors brought this out beautifully. Well done. A really pleasurable night of theatre for me." Laura

"Just been to see a performance this afternoon. It was excellent. All the actors were very good and although a tricky subject, the play dealt with the emotions involved very well. Thank you to all the cast, production and front of house." Sarah

"This was so good. I was really moved by the issues and the absolute sincerity of the cast and their performances. Virgie almost had me in tears. Thank you to everyone including the backstage team for a memorable evening." John

"Very much enjoyed the play last night - the themes are very bleak [and timely!] but there is great wit and humanity. Great work across the team - everyone in the cast 'has their moment' - and there was a lovely stage and tech design. Well done all!!" Richard

"Thoroughly enjoyed this last night, excellent performances from all the cast. The story was thought provoking, emotional and often very funny. Well done to everyone involved." Katie

"I thought it was brilliant. The character portrayals, the set, clothing etc. it raised interesting thoughts on people, choices and communication and was very funny." Rae

"I just wanted to say how fantastic I thought the play was this evening.   I thoroughly enjoyed myself." Chrissy

"Truly excellent performances by everyone... In fact, it was an exceptional play. We both really enjoyed it, very well done to everyone involved." Viv

"We saw this fantastic play last night. Beautifully written and performed by an excellent cast... don't miss this one!" Lucille

"A deep, funny and heart rending exploration of the tension between being an artist and being a parent- strangely something only women are continually confronting! There’s also the very topical issue of the right to take your own life and its impact on those close to you. In a way the whole play is about whether you have the right to live your own life. It’s well performed by a strong cast. Do go and see it." Helen

"Congratulations to the whole team! Very enjoyable and thought-provoking." Robin

"Really good watch, thought-provoking , funny, emotional, with outstanding performances all round." Jamie

Contains strong language and adult themes.

Tickets www.ticketsource.co.uk/sewellbarn, or by phone 0333 6663366.