The Spine - Spring 2020

Photography by Wesley Storey

Introduction

The football academy system promises young men the world, riches and fame, which makes it difficult to acknowledge the minimal success rate (0.012%). This play will explore what happens when there is a risk of that being pulled away and how the pressures of the system manifest in these young men. The story will discuss brotherhood and how we deal with mental health issues in a hyper masculine space.

Participation

Football Tournament - We held a football tournament for young people in Liverpool at FireFit in Toxteth. Over 60 young people took part in this tournament with live music, food and family activities.

Lyric Writing Workshops - Louie Le Vack ran a series of lyric writing workshops as a part of the tour, developing lyrics and music with young people across the country.


The Spine Tour

Unity Theatre - Liverpool

Crew Lyceum

High Peaks

Prescott Library

Huyton Library Culture Hub

Stratford Circus Arts Centre

Camden Peoples Theatre


Artistic Team

Written and directed by Nathan Powell

Company/Stage Manager - Fiona Hilton

Dramaturg - Phillip Osment

Movement - Rachael Nanyonjo

Sound Design - Conrad Kira

Set and costume design - Kirsty Barlow

Lighting Design - Phil Saunders

ASM - Rachael Smart

Cast

Malachi Pullar-Latchman

Keith Rice

Tristan Waterson


Reviews

5* London Theatre

This vibrant, kinetic, pulsating and uber-energetic show keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout and I defy anyone to watch it and not leave the theatre re-vitalised and, well, energised.


5* North Westend

This is a raw, dynamic and exciting piece of relevant theatre that has a real beating heart and a lot to say about how we live today


4* The Reviews Hub

The writing is reminiscent of John Godber’s classic Up ‘n’ Under, it is fun and fearless, effectively using multi-roleplay to tell the story. Despite having a similar vivacious energy to Godber’s work this play is clearly not an imitation of the Yorkshire writer – it is refreshingly unique.


The Nantwich News

It is a thoughtful and powerful piece of theatre....Beautifully written and directed by Nathan Powell