18 September 2009 - 3 October, 2009

By Githa Sowerby
A Northern Stage and Threshold Theatre co-production
Directed by Richard Beecham
Designed by Naomi Dawson
Lighting Design by Anna Watson
Sound Design by Jon Nicholls

Tyneside, 1912. John Rutherford's glass-making empire is in trouble.  A brutal industrialist who has sacrificed his children for the family firm, he is about to count the true cost of his tyranny. With his son-and-heir set on renouncing the family business and his daughter embroiled in a scandalous love affair, the future looks bleak indeed.

A century after it thrilled audiences in London and New York, Githa Sowerby's forgotten Geordie drama receives its North East premiere.

"This is a hard play but an immensely rewarding one… It’s full of surprises, too, not least in its final scene, which proves that a woman in need can drive as hard a bargain, just as the pioneering Sowerby proved that women can write for the stage as well as any man.”   Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

"The demanding and authoritative script is handled immaculately by director Richard Beecham and all the cast." Evening Chronicle

"sparked an unmistakable buzz as we made our way out."
Evening Chronicle

"a great piece of theatre that deserves this revival"
Whatsonstage

Meal Deal: Book your table when you buy your tickets and enjoy a pre-show meal of two courses for £10. Limited to 10 tables per night.

The meal deal must be purchased at the same time as your tickets and both must be paid for in advance.  To book ring the Box Office on 0191 230 5151.

Ticket Information

Recommended 12+

Fri 18 Sept - Sat 3 Oct 
2 for 1 First Night
£12 Mon 21 Sept

Tickets: £19, £17, £15, £5.50
Concessions £2 off
Students & Under 25s £8.50

Running Time: 2 hours 30 mins (including interval)

Stage 1

Pre-show discussion Thur 24 Sept, 6pm, Stage 3
Director Richard Beecham and biographer Pat Riley discuss Githa's life, Victorian Gateshead and the context to the play.

Post-show discussion Thur 1 Oct
Director Richard Beecham and members of the cast discuss the play and their approach to it.


 Thu 1 Oct 7.30pm
Sat 3 Oct 2pm
 Sat 26 Sept 2pm  (Please click here to download further information about the Audio Described performance.)

Touch Tour  Sat 26 Sept 12.30pm



Presented by arrangement with Samuel French Limited.

Assisted by a                                  
grant from the:                  Part of                       With thanks to
                                   


Supported by the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation and Mr Harry Seekings.

Many thanks to