County Lines Tour 2022

Cuckoo

A NEW PLAY BY YOUNG, IPSWICH-BASED WRITER MARTHA LOADER, MENTORED BY OLIVIER AWARD WINNING PLAYWRIGHT, LUCY KIRKWOOD – ALSO BASED IN EAST ANGLIA – PERFORMED AT THE INK FESTIVAL 2022 FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF SUFFOLK & NORFOLK SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES DURING THE 2022 SUMMER TERM.

The 35-minute play explores the issues around the risk to young people by County Lines.

This fast moving, punchy, entertaining play aims to illustrate how young people are being targeted by exploitative drug traffickers, what the consequences are for those who find themselves caught up in these dangerous networks, the impact on their families and the communities in which they live. Our aim is to engage, inform and enlighten, not only vulnerable teenagers, but also their teachers, their families and the wider community.

Students have the opportunity of participating in workshops to create their own short plays based on County Lines, some of which will be selected to be part of INK Festival 2023!

For further information please contact Jane Zarins jane@inkfestival.org.

CAST AND CREW:

Elle – Flora Douglas

Jay – Huw Brentnall

Zed – Ruaridh Aldington

Director – Jane Zarins

Executive Producer – Julia Sowerbutts

Technical – LX Professional – Dave Herman & Merlyn Agnew-Haycraft

Costumes & Props – Ruth Lewis-Smith

Music – Score Production Music

Fight Director – Isaac Fullbrook

Marketing & PR – Sally Ball

IT – Cate Evans

‘Martha Loader’s play evokes the way that the teenage need for friendship, excitement and independence can be exploited, and even in peaceful country places can lead good kids step by step into a dangerous trade. The brother and sister are likeable, distinct characters, their nemesis equally beguiling and in his way equally innocent. It’s a strong and interesting take on one of the worst abuses of our time, directed with life and vigour.’ Libby Purves www.theatrecat.com

“Very powerful … fabulous, well drawn, relatable characters, and wonderful writing.” “Fantastic insight into the way young people can be drawn into something they wouldn’t do at first ‘by degrees’.” “The dialogue was authentic and believable. Very powerful storytelling.” “An essential story to tell.”

INK’S TOUR INCLUDED:

Alde Valley Academy, Leiston
East Coast College, Gt Yarmouth
Kesgrave High School, Ipswich
Cliff Park OA, Gorleston
Broadland OA, Hoveton
Caister Academy, Caister-on-Sea
East Coast 6^th Form College, Gt Yarmouth
Felixstowe Academy, Felixstowe
Ormiston Venture Academy, Gorleston

Bungay High School, Bungay
Lapwings Education in Norfolk & Suffolk
Farligaye High School, Woodbridge
Aylsham High School, Aylsham
Northgate High School, Ipswich
Bramfield House School, Bramfield
Chantry Academy, Ipswich
Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham
Arch Bishop Sancroft High School, Harleston