FROM THE BARN THEATRE ARCHIVE

Sydney & the Old Girl

By Eugene O’Hare
Directed by Belinda Gee
16th – 19th February 2022 at 8:00pm

A mother and son at war with each other - with neither prepared to lose a single battle.

Taut psychological drama…
4/5
The Times

A World Amateur Premier!

This 'world-premier' amateur production is presented by arrangement with Curtis Brown/Methuen

Wheelchair-bound Nell spends her days in a dingy flat in east London. Grubby, tattered and uncomfortable are just a few words that apply to both Nell and her home. From her opening salvo Nell revels in her vicious comments about her son’s ineptitude. The two trade insults that are darkly funny: she claims “They should put my name in that book. That Guinness Book of Records. The longest dose of post-natal depression known to man”.

Though Sydney might be referring to his mother’s television when he comments “You don’t treat things proper they get broke.”, the comment is as applicable to his own psyche. With Sydney, any object he picks up feels as if it could be used as a weapon and the contents of his closely guarded large red bag are a mystery. He is a man shattered by hatred and left to spend a miserable life alone, picking up the pieces.

After 50 years cooped up in the same shabby flat, Nell and Sydney are at war. Points scored in never-ending arguments bind the pair together. As the twisted game between mother and son reaches breaking point, Irish care worker Marion Fee finds herself an unwitting pawn, played from both sides. Nell will stop at nothing for her bitter triumph over Sydney – but he has his own plans on how to end this once and for all.

And then, there’s the not-so-simple matter of the inheritance…

Sydney and the Old Girl premiered at the Park Theatre in 2019 where it sold out (not even standing room) and received nightly standing ovations. Belinda Gee, who was at one of those performances, recalls being on the edge of her seat throughout and leaving with the clear thought that she wanted to direct the play as soon as it was available for the amateur stage.

She is exceedingly delighted that the performance in the Barn Studio will be its amateur world premiere!

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by
Belinda Gee

CAST

Nell Stock
Sydney Stock
Marion Fee
Newsreader

CREATIVE TEAM

Production Manager
Stage Manager
Set Dressing
Rehearsal Prompt
Poster Design

Special thanks to Christina Schäfe for the wonderful poster image and Douglas O’Connell for the video featuring Stephen Christopher Lundon as Young Berni.

Production PHOTOS

(Click image to enlarge)

MEDIA & REVIEWS​

O’Hare is ‘a fearless new playwright with a singular voice’
WhatsOnStage
Hilarious yet painful’
4/5
London Theatre
An exceptional piece of theatre’
5/5
Sardines Magazine

DON'T FORGET, COMING UP AT THE BARN SOON

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, Adam Peck and Siobhan Dowd at the Barn Theatre Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire - 7th – 15th February 2025
Opening 7th February
By Patrick Ness, Adam Peck and Siobhan Dowd

 

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Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Statement

At the Barn we are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination in all its forms. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the cast and creative team, regardless of their race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity and will work to prevent any form of discrimination or harassment within our organisation.

Part 1, 18th Jan 8pm

Part 2, 19th Jan 8pm

Parts 1+2 20th Jan 2.30pm

Part 1, 23rd Jan 8pm

Part 2, 24th Jan 8pm

Part 1, 25th Jan 8pm

Part 2, 26th Jan 8pm

Part 1, 27th Jan 2.30pm

Part 2,  27th Jan 8pm