Coriolanus

by William Shakespeare | adapted and directed by Jez Pike
21-22 and 26-29 November

Contains strong language, flashing lights and depictions of violence

Photography: Barry Parsons

A strongman leader. A starving people. A war that’s coming home. Coriolanus is a political thriller for our turbulent times.

"I’ve just returned from the most wonderful afternoon of theatre and I am still reeling. The Sewell Barn Theatre production of Coriolanus was one of the best performances of a Shakespeare play that I’ve seen. I don’t say that lightly. Jez Pike’s direction and modern staging was imaginative, engaging, thrilling and provocative. The use of live film, large projection screens, music, lighting, smart phones, text, voice notes… none of it overrides the text and performance. It all felt perfectly natural and just worked beautifully. And what performances! An incredibly strong and capable cast took this play by the scruff of the neck and made it theirs. All led by Hans Christian Harder as Coriolanus who was simultaneously strong, intense, passionate, imposing and then also vulnerable and moving. I came out of the theatre feeling exhilarated and enthused. Just what great theatre should do.  This small theatre has a reputation for its ability to deliver exceptional quality (I’m maybe a little biased because I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in some of it!) but it’s a reputation well deserved." Alison

"Just wanted to say how brilliant is the Barn! We came twice to see Coriolanus as there was so much of it to savour and absorb. Another one of those performances we haven’t been able to stop talking about. It was not an easy watch and me not knowing the play meant intense concentration… but so rewarding. I loved that it was set in modern times - everything from the PTSD counselling to the necessary ‘extremist’ mindset which once cracked led to certain downfall….. to the impossible but excellent role of the go-between, to the morally virtuous but unrealistic and shortsighted views of ‘the people’ and the scheming duplicitous Tribunes…… to the acerbic Cominius. Loved the vox pops with the people, denying their role in any banishment - not me gov! The directing and acting was superb. They completely inhabited their characters and with such power in their eyes as much as the voice. It simply burned an imprint on one’s consciousness. Bravo the Barn!" Shelagh & Alan

"I have no information on what director Jez Pike was taking when he dreamed up this production, but give me a double dose of it!... Coriolanus is a tragedy, but Jez has crafted a lively, vibrant performance which is full of humour and witty detail amidst the sea of pathos... Overall this show reminds us that the genius of Shakespeare is to identify and portray universal human themes, so the historical narrative and the style and fashion of delivery are merely vehicles for his message. Sewell Barn have been on a roll for the last few years and this show is another unmissable high point. Book your seats now!" Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

"A fantastic performance last night, brilliant production and a talented cast! And a great story too. Go if you can!" Paul

"[I was] there last night and it was an amazing evening. Coriolanus was brilliant but so were the whole cast. A difficult and complex play that was performed as well as as any RSC performance. Thank you all." John

"This is a punchy adaptation, creatively directed and excellently acted, adding a contemporary spin to one of Shakespeare’s lesser known stories." James Goffin, Cultivated [click here for full review]

"What counted last night was the extraordinary passion, pace, stagecraft, imagination and relevance created by this stage family. Jez Pike’s vision for the play, and his adaptation thereof (and yes, you don’t usually hear the F-word in Shakespeare) was quite simply mesmerising, absorbing and thrilling... at the heart of all this, Hans-Christian Harder’s remarkable Coriolanus was charismatic, hypnotic, startling, vulnerable, frightening and absolutely real. This was a masterclass in character habitation and communication. Bravo." Cassie Tillett - Joint Artistic Director [click here for full review]

Jan Beavis: RIP

EDIT: Following the announcement of Jan's passing last month, we ask you to keep Miche, Simon and the close family in your thoughts, and maybe to light a candle, on Wednesday 5 November, when there will be a private family funeral. If there is a memorial service it will be held next Spring and we will let you know then.

Thank you for all your kind wishes and loving memories, which the family appreciates very much.

***

We have received the sad news of the passing of one of our longest-standing and beloved members, Jan Beavis. 

We received this message from her daughter, Michelle Montague:

"Having been diagnosed with mixed dementia over a decade ago, Jan Beavis passed away on Sunday 12 October. Miche and her brother, Simon, were by her side."

Jan is seen here with Miche 'during the Sewell Barn Theatre / Maddermarket Theatre heydays'; and the photograph of the younger Jan was taken in a production of 'Johnny Belinda' in the late 1960s.

For newer members of the theatre: Jan's daughter Miche is herself a much-loved member of the Norwich theatre family, previous Artistic Director at the Sewell Barn (2011-2016), actor and director: Jan's husband Mike, who passed away in 2018, was the Barn's technical director for many years, and the family has been a huge part of the theatre's work across the decades.

We send our great love and condolences to her friends and family, and we will pass on / publish here the funeral / memorial details when these are known.

A few of the tributes received are posted below, and will be updated over time.

***

Sad news indeed. Jan, along with her husband Mike, have given many decades of devotion and hard work to the Norwich theatre scene. Daughter Miche continues the family tradition as actor, director, writer and a devoted inspiration to the world of theatre. Our thoughts go out to her and all the family. David

I came to the theatre world late in the day and Jan, along with Mike, were two of the people who made me so welcome at the Sewell Barn, always a warm, friendly theatre with a wonderful ambience, thanks to people like her. Our thoughts are with you, Miche. Terry

Very sad to hear this. I'll remember many happy hours spent drinking tea in the costume dept of the Maddermarket. A lovely woman. Robin

Such sad news. Jan was always ready with a warm welcome and up for some mischief and fun too. I’m sorry to hear of her passing, and I send lots of love to Miche, knowing all too well the struggles that dementia brings. Rest well Jan. xx Tracie

I’m so sorry to hear this! I have so many magical memories with Jan and will hold them dearly in my heart! My love to Miche and family. My thoughts and my love are with you all. x Ruth

I am very sorry to hear this. Jan was a very kind, warm and inclusive person. She gave me my first experience of amateur theatre, playing Pierre in the Boyfriend way back in 1981. I was painfully shy and she was inspirational and truly encouraging. RIP Jan. Jonny

Very sad to hear this sad news. She was so supportive and friendly in my time at the barn. Condolences to Miche and her family. Trudie

The House of Bernarda Alba

by Federico Garcia Lorca, translation by Jo Clifford | Directed by Sabrina Poole
9–11, 15-18 October 2025

“If you are a woman, you are punished just by being born.”

Bernarda Alba’s husband is dead. Now she and her daughters must complete eight years of mourning. Confined physically and emotionally, they must spend their days in regimented fashion. But trapped within the walls, buried tensions and secret desires fight their way to the surface and even the strongest of locks cannot hold back the tragedy beating at the doors.

The last of Lorca’s classics, written only months before his murder, is a disturbingly relevant story of the shattering effects of emotional repression.

Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts Photography

"Another great achievement for the Sewell Barn Company. You all pulled off a powerful performance of a demanding piece of theatre and credit should go to the Sewell Barn Company for pushing the boundaries and being unpredictable in their choice of productions. One of the most impressive aspects of the performance is the way in which you all manage to create an atmosphere of tension in a small space with a simple set. You all do this through your engagement with your characters and the relationships you build with one another. It’s tight, gripping and moody. The simplicity of the production contrasts with the depth of meaning in the play. I liked the use of the table as the centrepiece (and the way it was lit) and the choreographed table-setting worked well, symbolically and as an interlude. Well done to you all! I thoroughly enjoyed it." Denise

"Sally Krykant is a devastating force as the tyrannical matriarch, Bernarda, who dominates the stage every time she enters.... The most nuanced and compelling performance of the evening comes from Jan Farrar as the long-serving housekeeper, Poncia. Farrar brings great range to this pivotal character... This is an excellent production that powerfully stages the inevitable explosion of repression and generational trauma. It is a compelling play - and the irony that even without a single man on stage, the consequences of the patriarch still claims the final, painful victory." April Nash, East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]

"...very good theatre and created a sense of claustrophobia. How small worlds can oppress. Visually impactful. Do go." Jonathan

"With an all female cast, this is a superb and beautifully written play exploring themes of repression, passion, conformity and the effects of men upon women. Wonderful set, staging and direction by Sabrina Poole and some fine performances made for a great evening of theatre!" Alison

"Our students were very impressed with the production of The House of Bernarda Alba. Our first lesson back we had an in-depth discussion on the interpretation of the play, and they all said how much it had helped them with providing a visual and helping them to understand the characters are the storyline. Also, we all agree that the theatre is wonderful!" Wymondham College

"Lorca's The House of Bernarda Alba is a stark, cruel play depicting the repressed lives of rural Spanish women only one hundred years ago. This is evident as soon as you enter the Sewell Barn Theatre space - white walls and furniture contrast with the black costumes of the women as they exist from day to day. This group of actors works brilliantly together, building the hatred and the fear throughout.  The whole production is tightly directed by Sabrina Poole who also created the fantastic technical effects - lighting, projections and sound all working to enhance the atmosphere." Clare Williamson, FOH Manager and previous Artistic Director

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

"Hilarious, fantastic production, shame it's not going on longer, would have come and seen it again I enjoyed it so much! Massive congratulations to all the cast , the director and everyone in the background for a very professional 'Charley's Aunt'." Jo

"... 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]

"An absolutely fantastic show! Talk about 'going with a bang!' SO much energy. You should all be very proud!" Robin

"It was a fantastic show, so full of energy and joy, very professional. We had a great evening and look forward to the next production." Jenny

"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