PlayWell Productions presents a work-in-progress sharing of material from WITH COURAGE – a new musical being written in celebration and commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the RNLI.
The past and present intertwine in this heartfelt folk musical telling tales of bravery, love and sacrifice.
Witnesses to a tragedy in 1886, Charles and Marion Macara unite to support a town in grief, inspiring a nationwide movement. Current day navigator, Shannon, grapples with her place amongst her family’s long legacy of life-saving; when disaster looms, she and her coxswain father Eddie must race against time to save a life. In two hundred years, the same question remains – how far will you go to save a stranger?
Written by Jon Hare (Charming; The First Chris Moose), and directed by award-winning director Charlotte Westenra (Agreement; The Wicker Husband), material from the show is being shared prior to a full tour later this year.
These performances will feature local choir Harmony One, the Hastings all female vocal harmony group led by Debbie Warren. Harmony One are as likely to be seen singing traditional fishing and sea-faring songs at Hastings fish festivals and further afield as they are on the concert platform performing newly written music.
To prevent price being a barrier to attending this event, it is ticketed on a Pay What You Like basis. Please note, this will be a work-in-progress performance, not the full musical. WITH COURAGE is commissioned by PlayWell Productions with development supported by Arts Council England, Sylvia Waddilove Foundation, Lighthouse Poole, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, Mercury Theatre, and Spun Glass Theatre. The show is premiering in September 2024 as part of the RNLI’s bicentenary.
