Feature: Death of England, @Sohoplace
Paapa Essiedu and Thomas Coombes.Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.
Following the acclaimed world premieres at the National Theatre I was delighted to attend the press event for Death of England. Attending the event were cast members Paapa Essiedu, Thomas Coombes and Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Dune, Sex Education), writer Roy Williams and Writer & Director Clint Dyer. This press event was to delve into Clint Dyer and Roy Williams' three state of the nation plays, Death of England: Michael, Death of England: Delroy and Death of England: Closing Time will be performed together in the West End for the very first time as a upcoming unique theatrical event with a strictly limited season @sohoplace from 15 July.
Much of the discussion regarding the audience and legacy of this play was to hope that it would be a point of cross communication. Eager that it would draw new audiences to the theatre who do not usually go, to represent those ordinary people in our lives and the challenges in our communities and inspire discussion and communication about the play’s taut themes and messages. These plays also seek to spark communication and discussion of how we identify as British and how we face our daily challenges. There was also much discussion on how this play seeks to combat the apathy that many of us face in our modern lives, especially with the impact of social media. This also connects with the idea that “Art is a weapon of change.” It seeks to reflect and encourage us to improve our world and society rather than sitting as passively as a rock in the stream whilst change goes on.
These plays were also referred to as “prophetic” in their predictions in the face of recent challenges with politics, covid, the climate crisis and the cast were asked how they thought their characters would vote in the upcoming election. Many of the cast said the characters would be so angry and disenchanted with modern politics that either they wouldn’t vote at all or they would vote labour strategically due to frustrations on current experiences. The cast also reflected on the character’s mental health, They also reflected on the characters' mental health, with some refusing to embrace new ideas until it was too late, and others grappling with the collapse of their dreams under immense pressure. One of the strongest impressions of these plays is that they are a harbinger of change within the West End, approaching the use of theatre as a medium to understand our world in a wholly invigorating and galvanising way.
These three interconnected plays can be watched as a stand-alone experience or seen together. Across the three plays, connections and themes come together as Michael, Delroy, Denise and Carly navigate the highs, lows, triumphs and challenges of what it means to be British in 2024. I cannot explain enough how electric the atmosphere was within this press event and how high the levels of anticipation are for these plays. I thoroughly recommend booking to see them as soon as possible because they will be rapidly sold out.
Death of England runs at @sohoplace from 15 July - 28 September 2024.
