East Anglian theatre company brings critically acclaimed play to the small screen
- LIT watch party: 7.30pm, Tuesday 1 June, 2021
Plain Speaking PR is proud to be working with HighTide, one of the UK’s leading new theatre writing companies.
HighTide is reimagining its critically acclaimed production – LIT – for the Netflix generation. A new version of the play, which had its world premiere at the Aldeburgh Festival in 2019, will be available to watch on TV screens from 7.30pm on Tuesday 1 June.
Written by Sophie Ellerby and produced as a partnership between HighTide and Nottingham Playhouse, LIT is the story of Bex: a teenage girl, looking for love in all the wrong places. Described by the Guardian newspaper as ‘a blistering look at teenage trauma’, the play tackles a range of difficult subject matters, but is underpinned by a cheeky and irreverent sense of humour. Inspired by Sophie’s experience of working with young women and mothers in the prison system, LIT doesn’t shy away from dealing with the grittier – and often heart-breaking – side of growing up.
LIT began its journey at the Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall in Suffolk before transferring to sell-out audiences in London and Nottingham. It was originally commissioned by funding from Arts Council England through HighTide’s First Commissions programme. LIT‘s first run in 2019 won a range of plaudits from some of the UK’s most well-respected critics.
HighTide develops innovative productions and programmes that actively encourage diverse communities across the East of England to engage with new theatre writing. The company provides opportunities for young writers and performers to get involved and share their stories.
Suba Das is the Artistic director of HighTide: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Nottingham Playhouse to give theatre fans throughout the East of England and beyond the opportunity to immerse themselves in the turbulent life of Bex,” Mr Das explains.
”The ongoing impact and uncertainty of the pandemic has meant we haven’t been able to physically connect with our audiences in the East of England in the way we have over the past ten years. But we’re proud that our pioneering approach to digital content has meant we’ve nonetheless reached thousands of viewers and vulnerable communities across our home region. LIT is a culmination of this online journey and we are thrilled our audiences will be able to experience this incredible show in their homes, ahead of us resuming live performances later this year.”
Stef Driscoll directed the original production of LIT and returns to the Nottingham Playhouse for its 2021 re-vamp. “LIT is a play for the Netflix generation who want a narrative that is thrilling, witty and packs an emotional punch. Audiences will be taken on a journey with Bex that unmasks what it means to be a young woman today.”
Sophie Ellerby, the writer of LIT said: “I’m excited for Bex to burst into audience’s homes, full force. Since its first run in 2019, issues present in the play – such as rape culture and consent – have been magnified further. I hope LIT continues to spark conversation and empathy.”
For those wishing to be one of the first to see this landmark digital revival, the LIT online watch party is at 7.30pm on Tue 1 June 2021. Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased from Nottingham Playhouse. Ticket-holders can then watch the recording as many times they like for up to 5 days. After the 1 June the production can be accessed on demand until 29th June.
For more information visit www.hightide.org.uk.
Please note, this play contains strong language and deals with issues around sexual assault.
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