An award-winning theatre director is bringing a powerful, first-of-its-kind production to town this month.
‘That Can’t Have Happened!’ by David Thacker is created from transcripts of conversations with domestic abuse survivors. The play, showing at the Kings Arms, will spotlight their experiences and lift up their voices.
Thacker has directed over 150 productions throughout the UK and internationally, seven of which have made it to the West End. He has directed for BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and WGBH Boston (USA). He has been artistic director of three theatres: the Young Vic, Duke’s Playhouse Lancaster, Octagon Theatre Bolton and also Director-in-Residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In response to his production American Buffalo, a representative from The Broken Spine said: “[David Thacker] is simply one of the very, very, best in the business.”
For this play, five service users of a Bolton-based charity, Fortalice, have agreed for their words to be transcribed and edited by Thacker, and put on a stage. Their characters will be played by Vicky Binns, Isabel Ford, Bel Odawa, Eve Steele and Flo Wilson.
Fortalice serves as a refuge for women and children in the North West by providing frontline community services. Thacker proposed his unique play idea to the charity’s chief executive, Dr Gill Smallwood MBE, who then arranged for him to meet the five women.
Dr Smallwood said: “Domestic abuse is always difficult to talk about, but, due to the bravery of five women sharing their story, the play gives us an opportunity to hear the reality of how domestic abuse can affect victims and survivors.”
David Thacker is no stranger to the Kings Arms, having had previous plays of his performed at the establishment. The venue also hosted Thacker’s American Buffalo and Faith Healer, both of which were a great success.
Owner Lisa Connor said: “I’m thrilled to welcome David back to The Kings Arms and to continue our collaboration as we try to produce high quality theatre on a shoestring.
“The trust that Fortalice has shown us is remarkable. I know that David and the actors will repay that trust as they share the struggles and achievements of these five very special women whose words are treated with such respect and care.”
Thacker, Connor and Dr Smallwood have all expressed gratitude towards one another and have acknowledged the roles that each party has played to make the play a reality.
Thacker said: “I share Lisa Connor’s aspiration to produce low-budget, high quality theatre and to create opportunities for talented actors to embrace the challenge of presenting these important plays.”
The production, sponsored by the University of Greater Manchester, will be showing from 19 to 23 March.
There will be a women only performance at 2:30pm on 21 March.
Tickets for all shows can be purchased here.
Feature image: Peter McDermott – SJ8398
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