After a fantastic repertory Shakespeare double-bill in April, award-winning Daniel Taylor Productions return to Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre this October, with a new production of the hard-hitting and gritty drama A Taste Of Honey.
Written by British dramatist Shelagh Delaney when she was just 18 years old, it was considered one of the most influential plays of its generation and comes to the Hanover Street venue from Tuesday 9th – Saturday 13th October, in what marks 60 years since its premiere!
Part of the post-war kitchen sink movement, the play premiered at Theatre Royal, Stratford East in 1958 before taking the West End by storm when it transferred to The Wyndham Theatre the following year, and The Lyceum Theatre on Broadway in 1960.
The play later became a classic of British cinema when it was adapted for the big screen in 1961 starring Rita Tushingham and Dora Bryan.
Telling the gripping story of the turbulent relationship between mother and daughter, it will star Liverpool actress Sharon Byatt in the role of Helen.
Her recent theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Epstein Theatre; UK tour of The Tommy Cooper Show; and West End production of Blood Brothers for which she is the only actress to play three leading roles (Linda, Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Lyons).
The production will be Produced and Directed by Blood Brothers and West End star Daniel Taylor.
Set in Salford in the 1950’s, the plot centres around 17-year-old Jo who is desperate to break free from her vulgar, wayward and man hunting mother, Helen. Resilient and feisty, Jo’s instinct for survival and happiness leads her to a taste of honey when she falls in love with Jimmy, a black sailor on shore leave.
Abandoned by her mother and left to cope on her own, Jo’s courage is tested yet again when Jimmy returns to sea, and she discovers she’s pregnant.
Defiant in the face of convention, Jo moves in with her friend Geoffrey, a young art student, who assumes the role of surrogate father to her unborn child. As their relationship deepens, Jo discovers that her independent spirit is both her torment and her salvation.
Producer Daniel Taylor commented, “I am thrilled to be bringing this important piece of theatre to The Epstein. A glimpse in to what society was like in the North West of England in the 1950’s, it tells a powerful story. The issues touched upon in the play are, I feel, as important and relevant today as they were when it was first written.
Audiences really connect with the characters, there are some wonderfully poignant moments, contrasted with scenes of heart-ache and strife. It is an emotional production that I would compel people to come and watch.”
The full cast for this gripping production will be announced shortly.
Tickets are priced from £16 / Group Bookings £14 and 1 in 20 go free.
To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk * or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 12pm – 6pm Monday – Saturday.
*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy.