Nothing Ventured

There’s nothing ‘am’ about am-dram here in Brighton and Hove and at the New Venture theatre this could not be more true. Season upon season they prove that they are not only ambitious but accomplished. Here are their new productions, no doubt all of them worthy of consideration. First comes Orphans by Dennis Kelly. While threat and menace pervade the neighbourhood, Danny and Helen keep their heads down and their mouths shut. The moment Orphans begins, though, Helen’s brother appears in their flat, dripping with blood… But whose is it? And what is Liam hiding?

Plunging straight into a thrilling, contemporary suspense story, Orphans takes you on a chilling journey of emerging truth and buckling trust. Never free from an encroaching sense of dystopia, Orphans is both disturbing and naturalistic. Audiences leave with the feeling that society’s horrors are closer and more nightmarish than ever before… If you like your drama bleak and your humour black, Orphans is a must-see play.
Suitable for those aged 18+ only

Fri 2 – Sat 10 Nov

Next up is Be My Baby by Amanda Whittington

Set in a mother and baby home in December 1964. Be My Baby follows Mary Adams who is unmarried and 7 months pregnant. Forcibly sent there by a mother intent on keeping up appearances Mary, along with other girls in the home, has to cope both with the shame and the dawning realisation that she will have to give up the baby for adoption.
Despite this, we share their laughter and tears as they dance their troubles away to the girl groups of the time in this bitter sweet comedy.
Fri 30 Nov – Sat 8 Dec

Ambitious & accomplished

Finally taking us into the new year at New Venture is Lone Star / Laundry and Bourbon by James McLure. A baking Texan afternoon sees friends Elizabeth and Hattie sharing Bourbon and folding laundry. They chat and reminisce while waiting for the replacement air conditioning. Elizabeth’s wayward husband Roy has been missing for days and Elizabeth is harbouring a secret.

That evening, nostalgic Vietnam veteran Roy is knocking back Lone Star beer at Angel’s Bar with younger brother Ray. While Ray indulges his older brother, neither is aware of what the night holds for them and Roy’s prized 1959 Pink Thunderbird convertible.
Fri 18 – Sat 26 Jan

For full details and booking information go to newventure.org.uk