Belvoir is proud to bring Never Closer – an astonishing debut play by Grace Chapple in a production direct from 2022’s 25A season upstairs to Belvoir’s mainstage from 25 May 2024.
Set against the backdrop of the Irish Troubles, Grace Chapple’s multi-award nominated play is an unforgettable drama of home, friends, the decision to leave or stay, and the possibility of forgiveness.
Northern Ireland, 1987. Deirdre is stuck – between arguments, nations, and the lives she almost lived. But when her old schoolfriends gather in her kitchen yet again for Christmas Eve, their growing differences push to the surface a powder-keg, waiting the tiniest spark. And then one of them turns up with her surprise fiancé. He’s English.
Directed by Hannah Goodwin, the stellar cast includes Emma Diaz (Blessed Union), Raj Labade (STC/State Theatre’s The Dictionary of Lost Words), Mabel Li (Miss Peony), Philip Lynch (Griffin Theatre Company’s The Lewis Trilogy), Ariadne Sgouros (Scenes from the Climate Era) and Adam Sollis (Seven Network’s Home and Away).
“Grace Chapple’s Never Closer premiered Downstairs at Belvoir in 2022 as part of 25A and I haven’t seen anything so assured and accomplished in ages,” said Belvoir’s Artistic Director, Eamon Flack. “It’s a tight, mature piece of writing with some finely-detailed performances in an exquisitely directed production by Hannah Goodwin.”
“So, in a grand tradition, we’re bringing it Upstairs. This is a chance to see a thoughtful, crafted new play by an Australian writing of her ancestral land. In six characters and a single room, Grace catches the tremors of a whole country and a whole time – with some striking resonances for here today,” said Flack.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this tender exploration of love, forgiveness, and whether we fight or flee.
Director: Hannah Goodwin | Featuring: Emma Diaz, Raj Labade, Mabel Li, Philip Lynch, Ariadne Sgouros, Adam Sollis | Lighting Designer: Pheobe Pilcher | Set Designer: Grace Deacon | Costume Designer: Keerthi Subramanyam | Sound Designer and Composer: Alyx Dennison | Fight and Intimacy Director: Nigel Poulton | Vocal Coach: Laura Farrell | Stage Manager: Luke McGettigan | Assistant Stage Managers: Darcy Catto-Pitkin, Maddison Craven | Playwright: Grace Chapple
Never Closer
Upstairs Theatre – Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season: 29 May – 16 June 2024 (previews: 25 – 28 May)
Information and Bookings: www.belvoir.com.au
Image: Emma Diaz, Raj Labade, Mabel Li and Adam Sollis star in Never Closer (supplied)