Children Of The Night is an exciting and ambitious multi-arts project which features theatre, exhibition and community engagement.
Inspired by local stories and created by local artists, Children Of The Night celebrates, documents and showcases the history of Doncaster’s infamous 90’s nightlife scene.
Children Of The Night is written by Danielle Phillips, a neurodiverse theatre maker from Doncaster who has recently been seen in the West End playing Judith in Ben Elton’s Olivier nominated The Upstart Crow.
This project was first developed in 2019 as part of a series of sit-down interviews and meetings with local Doncaster residents discussing their experiences and memories of 90’s nightlife.
After sourcing these interviews a 2-week funded R&D process was undertaken with Cast coming on board as an early partner. This R&D included a devising process using the testimony and in-depth research on the key history and context of the project.
A team of creatives was formed including director, dramaturg, designer, producer, and audience development manager.
In 2020 the script was revisited and many elements developed to reflect a new direction and approach post-COVID – one that was much more bold, vibrant and celebratory, while still tackling key themes such as working-class identity, female empowerment, and life in post-Thatcher North. The piece was retitled ‘Children of the Night’ – a homage to a well-known 90’s euro-pop tune by Nakatomi, which is famous for not being famous anywhere outside of Yorkshire and Holland.
“It’s Friday, 5pm, the air is thick with ciggy smoke-filled anticipation, the streets’r tipsy with possibility, expectation…”
This dynamic coming-of-age story follows Donny lass Lindsay as she pays tribute to the iconic club Karisma. Reliving memories of her notorious ’90s escapades and her relationship with her ex-miner single dad.
With uncertain times ahead, she faces a challenging question: When it feels like your best days are already behind you, how do you keep dancing.
This electric multi-arts project is created by Doncaster artists and has been developed from the memories of local people.
This project is funded by Arts Council England and has been developed and delivered in partnership with Cast, Right Up Our Street and Heritage Doncaster.
The cast comprises Danielle Phillips, Luke Broughton, Andy McLeod and Rosa Hesmondhalgh. The creative team includes; Director: Ruby Clarke, Designer: Hannah Sibai, Sound Designer: Annie May Fletcher, Lighting Designer: Jessie Addinall, Movement Direction: Jennifer Kay, Production Manager: Oliver Brown, Dramaturgy: Stephanie Dale, Producer: Lauren Townsend, R&D Photographer: David Sanchez (@david8photography).
Children Of The Night is at CAST Doncaster 21st – 25th February 2023.
