Looking at how politics and Brexit have invaded conversations, Emmy-winning writer Julie Burchill (Sugar Rush; Ambition) and acclaimed journalist and writer Jane Robins (Rebel Queen; White Bodies) bring the world premiere of their debut play People Like Us to the Union Theatre.
Starring Kamaal Hussain (The New Statesman, Trafalgar Studios; Becoming Scheherazade, Summerhall and UK tour; Waking the Dead, BBC), Marine Andre (Ruy Bas, French Tour; Phi-Phi, Festival Aix les Bains; Violettes Impériales, Festival Aix les Bains; Gemma Germaince (A Chorus Line, Churchill Theatre; Hamlet, Hoxton Studios; A Doll’s House, Hoxton Studios), Sarah Toogood (The Lisa and John Slideshow, Regent St Cinema Theatre and MAC Theatre Belfast; Bette and Joan, St James Theatre; Doctors, BBC) and Paul Giddings (Kingsman: The Golden Circle, 20th Century Fox; Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Rose Theatre and UK tour; The Vote, Donmar Warehouse), the production sees the personal and the political clash and implode.
Set in a North London book club, People Like Us follows five friends as they find themselves discussing the unavoidable topic of Brexit and the fight for the future of Europe becomes a domestic battleground of secrets and lies.
In the two years since the vote to leave, endless discussion has all but eradicated any middle ground. What remains is opposing views and the arguments which have strained relationships between husband and wife, brother and sister, parent and child – and friends.
Although written in support of the Leave campaign, People Like Us will uniquely provide an argument for both sides of the debate. With theatre and the arts predominantly representing a single view of Brexit, this nuanced look presents the politics and views of both sides.
Julie Burchill comments, “Brexit has fascinated me more than any other political phenomenon of recent decades – and having the chance to write this play with the brilliant Jane Robins has truly been the icing on the Victory Cake. As a hardcore Brexiteer, I’m extremely curious as to what will happen and very much hope that People Like Us will add to the lively discussion around this topic. Jane Robins adds, Since Brexit, people seem to be dropping their friends with surprising alacrity. It’s not only the political arguments causing the damage – it’s also the thrill of condemnation and shunning, of pointing fingers at old friends and expelling them from your society. That’s our subject-matter – Julie and I have had tremendous fun with it.”
People Like Us is at The Union Theatre 2nd – 20th October 2018.
