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]

"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

"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