‘Incredibly moving’ real-life drama impresses audience at Harrogate Theatre

The weather may have been wet and miserable, but it certainly did not deter the enthusiasm to see the post office scandal theatre production Glitch at Harrogate Theatre.

Glitch circled around main character and postmistress Pam Stubbs.

Her life was turned upside down after been falsely accused of dishonesty and deceit through the many glitches with electronic postal system Horizon.

The play offers an insight from the other side of the coin when a corporate entity meets individuals with unwavering integrity.

Rabble Theatre, a Reading-based charity are renowned for telling local stories of national significance and championing women.

The theatre group were visited in 2021 by Liz Connaghan from the University Laws School with a notion of creating a piece of theatre about Liz Stubb and, so, the theatrical production was born.

I was very fortunate to meet all four cast members and discuss the storyline of Glitch.

Each played multiple roles - Joanne Howarth (Pam Stubbs) Laura Penneycard (Nora, Tracy and Jan), Naveed Khan (David, Daljit, Alan) and Sabina Netherclift (Hilary, Cari, Kay, Swift, Ms Simons and Sandra).

Speaking to me: ‘It took several years in the making – the original interviews with postmasters were in 2020 - so six years in the making .

"The real Pam Stubb was involved in the making of it so it started ticking along before the ITV drama came along.

‘I’ve met the real Pam and she’s just like me - she’s a feisty woman who won’t let anyone pull the wool over her eyes.

"She said to me be stroppy and funny if you play me’ – Joanne Howarth.

This theatre production was carefully and cleverly produced.

All four amazing actors played a series of different roles and the way in which they played multiple roles was so integral to the play’s development and success.

The characters were very multidimensional and evoked raw emotion.

The use of the named cardboard boxes were striking and so symbolic of the many individuals linked to the Horizon scandal.

The production was incredibly moving and life-affecting.

Every box referenced was a real person involved in the scandal.

Sadly 13 died, some through suicide, and others were punished and were convicted as criminals – thus life changing results without an opportunity to clear their name.

"It’s the articles that stay and remain - they have that life on the internet” – Sabia Neverclift

"Their friends, neighbours and even families thought they were guilty - its is just horrible - Navdeed Khan.

The crowd fully enjoyed the theatre production, although incredibly upsetting.

The miscarriage of justice was such a strong thread throughout.