The highly acclaimed Young Pleasance ensemble will bring to life the thrilling true story of Florence Waren, an intrepid Jewish resistance fighter and dazzling showgirl leading a perilous double-life in World War II. Showgirls and Spies is written and directed by Young Pleasance alumnus, and relative of Florence, Rebecca Wilson. Joining her will be Marc Benga (Boys, The PappyShow; OTHELLO, Frantic Assembly), co-directing the company’s large-scale production and iconic physical sequences.
Working fearlessly for the French resistance by day, every night at the infamous Bal Tabarin, Florence takes to the stage alongside the icons Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. Young Pleasance present their modern take on the glitz, glamour and glare of wartime Paris as the ensemble jump cuts between worlds bursting with bravery, family and feather boas. This world premiere will challenge ideas of freedom leaving its audience, asking, what do we do if history repeats itself.
With soaring ambition and a wellspring of youthful energy, Young Pleasance is truly incubating the stars of the future, with alumni going on to work with the RSC, the Barbican, Curtis Brown, Trafalgar Studios and the Globe as well as in TV and film. Young Pleasance are dedicated in offering dynamic and professional theatre opportunities for young people aged 16-21 through workshops and large-scale productions delivered by the Pleasance’s ambitious creative team. Since its inception in 1995 this prolific producing arm has trained hundreds of performers, musicians and technicians.
Rebecca Wilson comments, Having based the show around a true family story I should be filled with nerves, but instead I am full of excitement! The Young Pleasance is a company full of talent and support both on and off stage. Young Pleasance initially supported my creativity when I was seventeen; returning now, as an alumnus, writing and directing a show with them, I hope demonstrates just how important opportunities like these can be for young creatives.
The themes of resistance, bravery, hiding your identity, women working undercover and showbusiness being used as a political tool are all from our World War II Parisian storyline, but I am interested in the correlations to our modern storyline. Those necessary and everyday moments of resistance are vital to remember and take inspiration from.
