From Friday 26th January to Saturday 3rd February, the Playhouse opens its spring 2018 season by welcoming writer Bryony Kimmings and internationally acclaimed theatre company Complicite, as they present A Pacifist’s Guide to the War on Cancer.
This funny and moving production tackles the often difficult subject of cancer to look behind the poster campaigns and pink ribbons at the realities: newfound friendships, pain and death, mundane treatment cycles, hairlessness and scars… with songs.
Creating and starring in this unique look at cancer and illness, Bryony Kimmings is known for tackling “unspeakable” subjects like sexual and mental health (Sex Idiot, Fake It Til You Make It) head on to ignite conversation with her audience.
After being approached by Complcite producer Judith Dimant, who had recently received her own cancer diagnosis, Bryony chose to write a production about cancer. What followed was a baptism of fire, and an unexpected journey into the “Kingdom of the Sick” – following patients, meeting doctors and learning from world experts.
This reimagined version of the acclaimed production that visited HOME, Manchester, Exeter Northcott and the National Theatre in 2016 visits the Playhouse for nine performances to start its new tour, as the theatre continues to bring internationally renowned theatre-makers to Liverpool.
Complicite will return to Playhouse stage for the first time since 2013 when their children’s production of Lionboy visited in June.
Gemma Bodinetz, artistic director at the Everyman & Playhouse said, “Complicite are a company that have set the bar for every ground-breaking theatre company in this country and indeed the world. A Pacifist;s Guide is a disarmingly brave and honest look at what’s like to have cancer. It manages to be both funny and heart-breaking but never sentimental. Based on verbatim testimony it is visually impactful with an amazing score.”
A Pacifist’ Guide to the War on Cancer is a Complicite Associates and Bryony Kimmings production. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Box Office on 0151 709 4776 or online at www.everymanplayhouse.com.