Cuckoo by Chris Pearson
Silent Uproar and Middle Child present a scratch night showcase for new writers to see early drafts of their plays performed for the first time, script-in-hand, in front of a friendly audience. In this edition, we share Cuckoo by Chris Pearson
About the Show
Cuckoo
Written by Chris Pearson
Amidst arguing, singing and the daily grind of life in 1982, Tessa and Benno have an unexpected visitor, but why is he there?
This “scratch” performance will be performed script-in-hand, by professional actors with no set, props or costume.
Join us in the Middle Child rehearsal space for an intimate night out to see a new work-in-progress play, featuring a Q&A with the writer and director after the performance, in which you can share your own thoughts on the script.
About Out Loud
Out Loud is a Middle Child and Silent Uproar collaboration, presenting a showcase for new writers to see early drafts of their plays performed for the first time, in front of a small and friendly audience.
Previous editions include Casino by Larner Wallace-Taylor (Humber Street Gallery, 2022) and 1988 by Hannah Scorer and Shit Life Crisis by Olivia Hannah (Middle Child at Bond 31, 2023).
About the writer
Chris Pearson is a writer who has also done voiceover work for radio and occasionally been known to act, including in Middle Child’s panto.
Chris took part in the 2018 Middle Child Writers’ Group and his previous written work includes SPIN (Hull Truck Theatre’s Play/Pie/Pint); Have You Seen the Gazette? (Middle Child Writers’ Group); Sausages (Kardomah 94) and Sanctuary (Co-Writer for Humber Film).
His writing is guaranteed to be car chase and explosion-free and tends to focus on what some might call the ordinary: mostly working class people having a go, doing their best (and sometimes their worst), but just trying to get through it. He passionately believes there’s a place in theatre for these stories.
Guidance
Running time: Approx. 60 minutes, no interval, followed by a short Q&A with the writer.
Age guidance: 18+
Content notes: includes classism, violence and misogyny, with themes of mental ill health, child abuse and sexual assault.
Cast
John Adamson – Joey
Ethan Griffiths – Benno
Jessica Jolleys – Tess
Ticketing Information
Pay What You Decide
Tickets for this performance are available on a Pay What You Decide basis, which means you don’t have to pay until after you have seen the show.
We are offering tickets like this so you not only pay what you can afford, but also base it on how much you enjoyed the evening and wish to support our work.
Book your seat in advance, then decide what to pay after the show. We can accept either cash or card.
All people involved in the production of the event have been paid, so all of the money collected will go towards funding future productions, workshops and events.
Unreserved Seating
Your ticket does not reserve a specific seat, however spaces will be reserved for wheelchair and BSL users – below. We please ask that our audience fill seats from the front upon arrival.
Wheelchair Users
A limited number of wheelchair spaces are available. To reserve a wheelchair space, please book a ‘Pay What You Decide – Wheelchair’ ticket.
Where you can catch the show
Address
Middle Child Theatre, 42-42 High St, Hull, HU1 1PS
Car Parking
Available in the High Street gravel car park, a two-minute walk away, next to the Rollits building; or the Fruit Market multi-storey car park, a four-minute walk away, on Blackfriargate.
Bus
The nearest bus stop is St Mary’s Church on Lowgate, a three-minute walk away. This stop is served by multiple routes.
Facilities
The Middle Child space includes a bar, lift and an accessible toilet.