The Children, directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward, has opened at Nottingham Playhouse. Both epic and intimate, the play is a hilarious post-apocalyptic thriller that highlights how the time to act is slipping through our fingers.
Hazel and Robin are living out their retirement in a cottage on the east coast. They listen to Radio 4, speak regularly with their children and Hazel never misses a day of yoga practice. But their existence is far from cosy – electricity is rationed and there’s a Geiger counter to hand to check radiation levels – for they live just outside the exclusion zone of a nuclear disaster.
When old friend Rose visits out of the blue, they crack open the parsnip wine and reminisce. But uncomfortable memories resurface, and Rose’s shocking proposal threatens their entire future. All three are forced to confront how their life choices have affected each other, as well as future generations.
The Children is written by Lucy Kirkwood and stars Caroline Harker as Hazel, Clive Mantle as Robin and Sally Dexter as Rose.
The play will run until 6th April and tickets can be purchased on the Nottingham Playhouse website.