Harrogate Theatre writer helps bring back 'live' theatre in pioneering new project

A Harrogate Theatre associate artist is a key part of a pioneering new way of bringing performances to the people after the Covid-19 pandemic closed venues.

One Of A Kind, written by Harrogate-based Rachael Halliwell and performed by actress Sarah Boulter, was chosen to be the first 'virtual' production to be available to watch online as part of The Covid-19 Monologues series of five plays.

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Organised by Durham-based theatre company Elysium, the series is being performed by actors across the country with socially distanced cameramen, directed virtually by Elysium artistic director Jake Murray.

In the case of One Of A Kind, Rachael, who is associate artist at Harrogate Theatre, took inspiration from real experiences for the emotive plot which centres on a reporter who gets a job in a care home during the Covid-19 pandemic to be close to her father.

Rachel said: "A good friend of mine is a carer and has been working during Covid-19 and she was an inspiration.

“The best stories are about the human condition, and this pandemic is something that everyone is struggling with, their stories are important to tell. I am really proud of the piece; it is quite emotional.”

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The play was performed by actor Sarah Boulter in her car, using a socially distanced camera man wearing a mask, directed virtually on Zoom.

Rachael, who has been part of a team to save Harrogate Theatre from closure, said: “We are having to work in different ways. It is important that we can use digital skills to make theatre accessible.

“It is mad, we are in a life-changing, difficult time. I hope people are moved by the play and sit back and think, think about the role of the carer and the respect that caring for people deserves.”

The plays in The Covid-19 Monologues serie are being uploaded every two to three days from September 30 to October 9 on YouTube channel Elysium TC.

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They will see some familiar faces taking part, including Shobna Gulati – famous for her role as Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street and as a panellist on Loose Women, Edmund Dehn, known for Knightmare (1987), Speed under and Judge Minty and Paul Herzberg, known for My Week with Marilyn and The Honourable Woman, and about to be in Eastenders.

RELEASE DATES FOR COVID-19 MONOLOGUES

Sept 30 - One Of A Kind by Rachael Halliwell, performed by Sarah Boulter:

A reporter in the North East gets a job at a care home during Covid-19 to be close to her father.

Oct 2 - Push Yourself, Slightly by Chris Dance, performed by Amy Gavin:

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Meet Jane, Professional Demotivator, who will help you realise some of your dreams.

Oct 5 - The Moth by Paul Herzberg, performed by Victor Power:

A chance encounter on a train twenty years ago between a black British man and a white South African casts a shadow decades later.

Oct 7 - Sugar by Mike Elliston, performed by Edmund Dehn:

Bristol 1721,The Reverend Harcourt struggles with his conscience as he is asked to write the sermon at the funeral for philanthropist and slave trader Sir Edward Colston.

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Oct 9 - The Art Of Being A Solution by Hamza Rafique, performed by Shobna Gulati:

Preeya, right wing political advisor and racial gatekeeper, sits her child carer down to put her right on politics.

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