Beautiful Thing

by Jonathan Harvey | directed by Tom Scudamore
4-6 and 10-13 June at 7.30pm | 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 13 June
Contains adult themes and strong language

This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with copyright agent Michael McCoy of Independent Talent Group Limited

Neighbours Ste and Jamie lead tough lives on a South London council estate. Jamie is bullied at school. Ste is bullied at home. They find comfort in each other’s company and one night under the same roof, sharing a bed, comfort turns to love. But out in the world they must navigate these new feelings, enjoying the highs of tenderness and excitement, weathering the lows of anxieties and fears.

Thirty years after its first production, Jonathan Harvey’s sweet, enchanting and quietly determined story of gay love still resonates in a tale of friendship, community, and what it means to be sixteen and in love.

Photography: Grant Barker

"Last Saturday me and Jacqui headed over to the Sewell Barn Theatre to see a production of Jonathan Harvey's play, Beautiful Thing. It's about a couple of young lads in the 90's living on a South London estate who fall in love. I guess you could call it a coming of age comedy/romance/drama. Anyway, however you want to classify it, it was utterly brilliant. We laughed a lot, nodded sagely at some moments, and at one point in the second half, this crusty old theatre goer had to spend a few moments pretending he had something in his eye. Both eyes in fact. Mums are important you see. The whole cast were excellent, but the two central performances were considered, convincing, and brave in a way that made me insanely jealous (as only an old actor can be jealous in the face of such obvious and superior talent). I wish I was that good. Seriously though, go and see it... I may and grab a second look on Saturday evening if there are any seats. It's that good." Richard

"Huge congratulations to Tom Scudamore and his cast and crew at the Sewell Barn Theatre tonight. Beautiful Thing by Jonathan Harvey was indeed a beautiful piece of work. I felt totally absorbed by the lives of the five characters portrayed so movingly in all their comic awkwardness and emotional frailty. One of the truest and best things I've seen at the Barn -  and I've seen a lot." Clare Williamson, FOH Manager

"I laughed and cried and laughed and cried again. I loved the whole production, staging, interpretation, the acting was really strong, I don't think there could have been a better interpretation. One of the best productions I've seen in a long time (and I see a lot)." Alex

"This is a superbly written play that really is life affirming and will send you home smiling and happy. Director Tom Scudamore has honed memorable performances from his cast and together they should feel very proud of this delightful show from Sewell Barn Theatre." Julian Swainson - Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

"I saw Beautiful Thing at the theatre last week and was just so impressed. The quality of the production and acting was exceptional! It's one of the best plays I've seen. Please do pass my congratulations on to the cast and team. I am still thinking about it!" Clarissa

"Just wanted to say how amazing was this play. I knew nothing about the play in advance but once we’d tuned in to the vernacular, it blew me away! It was funny, blisteringly in your face real, and beautiful. The attention to detail in the acting from all 5 actors was searing and still imprinted in my head. The facial expressions, the quick delivery, the sheer brass neck of it masking their vulnerability, the tension, the sensitivity - all remarkable and beautiful. Powerful messages for us as a society simply delivered. Messages about the impact of poor housing, poverty, everyday struggles to survive, formulaic education, the left behind and lost. Messages not declaimed but simply delivered. Wow! So very proud of Sewell Barn. It should be compulsory viewing! Much love and congratulations to the whole team." Shelagh

"Lovely play superbly performed. Well done Jeremiah et al. Thoroughly recommended. Do not miss it." Kevin

"Director Tom Scudamore has conjured together a story telling that delivers beautifully. The ending may only be a beginning for these characters, but it’s one to cherish while you can." James Goffin - Cultivated UK [click here for full review]

"A great show.  Do not miss. These were not performances but real people whose lives we were privileged to became involved with for one evening, sharing raw emotions and true love." Jane

"Beautiful Thing is The Sewell Barn Company’s latest triumph, and a lesson in stagecraft and great casting… Scudamore has achieved a difficult balance of both tugging on the heartstrings and littering the piece with consistent comedy, intentionally leaving the audience conflicted yet distinctly optimistic at the conclusion." Gina Stock, UK Theatre Network [click here for full review]

Female Transport

 by Steve Gooch / Directed by Jessica Hutchings
23-25 April and 29 April-2 May

Images: Barry Parsons Photography

“Farewell to old England for ever.”

In 19th century England the prisons are overcrowded and petty crime is rife. The solution? Punishment by transportation.

Six women are sentenced to a life of hard labour in the Australian penal colonies. But first they must survive the brutal journey across the seas. Kept locked in their cell

aboard the convict ship, these women have little idea of what lies ahead of them. Enduring exploitation and violence in close quarters, where emotions from convicts and crew alike are as unpredictable and turbulent as the ocean, they must fight not just for their lives but for their very humanity.

Contains strong language, depiction of hanging, violence and sexual assault, and loud noises.

This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd www.concordtheatricals.co.uk.

***

"If you are offended by the c-word, do not see this play.  If you feel you may rejoice in its repeated use, by a defiant (beyond her own detriment) yet strangely vicariously empowering ‘Nance’, see this play.  If themes of sexual power-play and the myriad of abuses therein make you flinch, be prepared to flinch.  If a woman owning her own sexual power is not your thing, you won’t like ‘Charlotte’.  If an abusive ‘Sarge’ played with a truly terrifying kind of skilful conviction is currently beyond that which you dare to witness - you’re not ready for this play and its soul-shattering, trauma-triggering kind of truths.  If you’re not prepared for women’s wiles coming to prove themselves as the survival instinct that gets them through, over and above the clear moral leanings of a male minority with whom your sympathy will be keenly felt, don’t even attempt to withstand the traumatic sense of contempt within which these women struggle to keep hold of themselves, degraded and deprived against their will, which strangely flourishes as the sheer brutality sets in. This is not light entertainment, this is not for the faint-hearted. It’s about as hard-hitting as it gets but there are the kind of gallows humour laughs and sheer brazenness that keeps the looming sense of despair at bay, for most if not all.  You could Google the reviews on the internet and learn about the perceived deficiencies in the script.  You could take away different sound bites from reputable reviewers such as ‘it makes for an entertaining evening which provides roles for a wide range of actresses which is refreshing to see’.  That particular c*nt missed the point methinks.  It is stark, it is brazen, it is uncomfortable and a difficult watch.  And that is what makes it a must-see." Charlotte

"I really enjoyed my visit to the Barn yesterday; a really compelling story, and so well acted. The set, the lighting and the sound effects were first rate and I'm still trying to work out how the hanging was made to look so realistic! The gasps and exclamations from the audience must have made the cast and the director realise how well they were putting the story across." Jenny

"Really enjoyed this. Brilliant acting." Diane

"Well done to all involved - the set was evocative snd atmospheric, enhanced perfectly by top quality sound and lighting. And so to the performances... we saw the top deck males, worrying about commodities and trade offs juxtaposed with the women below, coping with deep trauma and physical hardship in an attempt to survive in Australia. Congratulations to a brilliant, cohesive cast who immersed us in their stories and the voyage into the unknown." Clare Williamson - Chair, Sewell Barn, and FOH Manager

"The feeling of being on board ship created by the company is so real I advise taking sea sickness tablets with you [just in case]. Seriously - a great production. Well done."  Jane

"Female Transport is replete with sex and violence and some positively unladylike language, as the subject demands.... this play is well worth seeing at the Barn, if only to make us pause and reflect on how it is so often women who suffer most from cynical and punitive governance driven by profit and expedience. Oppression and division are bedmates, we need to remember this when we cast our votes in a few weeks time." Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

by Robert Tressell, adapted by Tom Mclennan | Directed by Chris Jones
5-7 & 11-14 March at 7:30 pm | Matinee 14 March at 2:30 pm
Tickets www.ticketsource.co.uk/sewellbarn | phone 0333 6663366

Photography: Andrew Evans

Struggling against grinding poverty, a group of Edwardian workmen survive from day to day while their bosses live on the proceeds of their labour. Will they come to see where their true interests lie, or are the social roles that govern their lives too strong to break?

Published posthumously in 1914, the largely autobiographical novel has never been out of print and has inspired generations of left wing activists and campaigners. Tom Mclennan’s adaptation celebrated the novel’s centenary, and with references to cross-channel immigration, tariff wars, and Conservative/Liberal coalitions shows the story is as relevant today as ever.

This production is presented by kind arrangement of the author Tom Mclennan. Tom will lead an after-show discussion of the play on Wednesday 11 March, open to all.

***

"Excellent production. So glad I went to the first night. Thank you." Kay

"Well done to you, cast and crew! I really enjoyed the witty and moving play last night. Also, please pass on to the singing cast members - well sung and I was SO PROUD! They sounded great, and so confident. They delivered those songs perfectly." Claire Kidman - production voice coach

"Just wanted to thank Chris and everyone for inviting me to be part of the Q and A last night. It’s a terrific adaptation of the novel, wonderfully directed and brought to life by a brilliant, brilliant cast which I’ve been lucky enough to see twice. It was an honour to sit on the stage with you all." Michael Galley, local author of “Working Class Hero: Robert Tressell’s Ragged Trousered Philanthropists”.

"This is a moving and well paced drama that makes the case for socialism with pathos, humour and passion. In an ideal world this play should be a curriculum requirement for every school in the city, and if you are lucky enough to have young people in your life bring them to the Barn for this great show... A ‘must see’ show which will not disappoint." Julian Swainson - Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

Crown Matrimonial

by Royce Ryton | directed by Zanna Foley-Davies
15-17 and 21-24 January

Photography: Sean Owen of Reflective Arts

England, 1936 – a crisis is forming in the monarchy. Edward VIII has declared his intention to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite with not one but two living ex-husbands. The church forbids the match, the country is scandalised by it, and the rest of the royal family are firmly against it. They say he cannot marry her and be King, he says he cannot be King without her. Their question of what should come first – personal happiness or public duty – could tear the very fabric of the family apart.

***

"Overall this is a very slick production of an engaging text that presents an historical landmark entirely in the setting of a family psychodrama. Even if like me you are a curmudgeonly disrespectful republican I am sure you will be entertained by this show, unlike Queen Mary who is plainly not amused. It does make us question the bizarre tradition of drawing our head of state from a dysfunctional family born of a rather tiny available pool of suitable breeding stock. If Charles III is weekending at Sandringham he should pop in to the excellent Sewell Barn show and perhaps savour a little schadenfreude at his predecessor’s discomfort facing an identical problem to his own before accession.  I note that the next production at the Barn is to be The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, no doubt to restore harmony to the Socialist Republic of Norwich!" Julian Swainson - Norwich Eye [click here for full review]

"Well done all - a production to all be proud of!... [we] enjoyed it immensely." Emma 

"Saw it tonight, absolutely loved it! Great show!" Emma

"Excellent performance! Attention to detail was outstanding. Well done!! Thoroughly enjoyed." Robin & Jeanette

"The piece centres around the actions of the wayward monarch, embodied perfectly by Alex Tiller as someone whose sense of duty is usurped by emotion... its driving force is the matriarch Queen Mary, played with a bewildered stoicism by the excellent Julie Benfield. It's well worth watching on the strength of the fine company performance, but those of us whose interest in the Monarchy may have been piqued by mainstream hits such as Netflix's The Crown will find this a compelling piece of Royal history, as well as those with a general historical interest too." Ray Tempesta - East Anglian Theatre Podcast [click here for full review]

"Brilliant production and performance, can’t wait to see it again." Veronica

"Was there on opening night, excellent performances from all." Catherine

"Julie [Queen Mary] was excellent and I was particularly impressed with Bertie. Everybody was good. A notable production." David

"This was an absolutely SUPERB production that any professional company would have been proud of! Sizzling performances, especially from Julie Benfield, Alex Tiller and Stephen Crawford-Brown! Many many congratulations!" Robin

"Another excellent and very enjoyable production by The Sewell Barn Theatre players tonight... Congratulations to all the cast and crew. Looking forward to seeing the next production." 'Reader Trowse'

"Crown Matrimonal: A superb triumph, outstanding performances, thoroughly entertaining - well done all." Jamie

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

"I thought it was very ambitious and had a great use of tech and the space by Jez. It’s a tricky play of course (as quoted by Judi Dench) and quite difficult to follow if you don’t know the play. Overall, a great effort by all involved... Despite its length this version was never less than very engaging." David

"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