Still Here
by Mari Lloyd
produced by 20 South Street in association with Still Here Productions and Grey Swan
What happens when you have the feeling that you are disappearing?
Rhys just wants to box while his dad just wants a job. Yasmin is living with her nan while her mother wants to be looking over the plains of Uganda.
The children can’t speak to their parents, and the parents don’t understand how their children are feeling.
In Mari Lloyd’s moving and sharply funny new play, we see the world through the eyes of two 18-year-olds, as they try to comprehend the actions of their parents and begin to understand that the choices of today can stay with you for the rest of your life.
Two Post-Show Discussions are accompanying this production.
They are free to all who have attended that evening’s performance.
Friday 10 March: Join writer Mari Lloyd, actors Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler, director Julia Stubbs and Asa Clark, a coach at Double Jab Boxing Club in New Cross, to talk about the creation of the production and the role that boxing can play in young people’s lives.
Friday 24 March: Stay after the show to hear writer Mari Lloyd, actors Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler, and director Julia Stubbs talk about the production and how theatre can explore the rich sense of identity and culture within communities.
Playwright MARI LLOYD grew up in the Rhondda Valley and now lives in Merseyside. She studied medicine in London and after working in the NHS for more than 20 years, Mari began writing. Her plays have been seen at the London Fringe, the Liverpool Write Now Festival, the Manchester 24:7 Festival, and the Liverpool Fringe Festival. She stays grounded and sane by engaging with a local boxing gym.
JULIA STUBBS is a director and producer, and the Artistic Director of 20 South Street, a creative home for collaboration in theatre with a focus on new writing.
Press for this production
Mari Lloyd’s poignantly funny play about two teenagers trying to find their way in an unforgiving and uncertain world is a real treat…Emma Kaler is beautifully nuanced as Yasmin, strong and sharp on the surface but always on the move, trying to find the way to escape her feelings and very funny. Phillip John Jones is wonderful as Rhys – as his layered performance never leaves you in doubt that Rhys is holding something back…Director Julia Stubbs skilfully takes Lloyd’s smart script and interweaves the stories of the two damaged teenagers seamlessly.
The characters are brilliantly authentic in their speech, attitudes and humour…The dialogue is insightful…Warm and funny, with two excellent performances, Still Here is hugely enjoyable.
★★★★ Fairy Powered ProductionsStill Here is a blissfully uncluttered 75 minutes where writer Mari Lloyd’s words take centre stage, delivered by two assured, talented young performers… Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler’s performances are moving and true. Kaler’s Yasmin has a just-controlled, riled energy, later showing strength and kindness, whilst Jones’s gentle Rhys is painfully lost, his feigned bravado falling away to reveal his fallibility. When their fight is over, they are changed but they are still here.
British Theatre GuideMari Lloyd writes with genuine insight and emotion… This is an endearing, enjoyable script performed by two wonderful actors with a long future ahead of them. Whether you’re a young adult finding your place in the world, or of an older generation struggling to keep up with life’s many changes – this show works for all.
The Reviews Hubdirector Julia Stubbs draws splendid performances from Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler as the troubled teens.
Broadway World UKSTANDING OVATION AWARD NOMINATION for Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler from London Pub Theatres
Creative Team
STILL HERE by Mari Lloyd
Director: Julia Stubbs
Set and Costume Designer: Rachael Rooney
Lighting Designer: Jonathan Samuels
Sound Designer: Jamie Lu
Technical Operator: Charlie Heptinstall
Tech Assistant: Stuart Glover
Produced by 20 South Street in association with Still Here Productions
Cast
Rhys | Phillip John Jones
Yasmin | Emma Kaler
Warm and funny, with two excellent performances, Still Here is hugely enjoyable.
★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions
Whether you’re a young adult finding your place in the world, or of an older generation struggling to keep up with life’s many changes – this show works for all.
The Reviews Hub
director Julia Stubbs draws splendid performances from Phillip John Jones and Emma Kaler as the troubled teens.
Broadway World UK
The Brockley Jack Theatre Ltd
Principal Sponsor
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