Argent Theatre launches 2024 season with Stephen Lowe’s seminal Nottingham play Touched at the Robin Hood Theatre, Averham

Argent Theatre launches its 2024 season with Stephen Lowe’s seminal Nottingham play Touched at the Robin Hood Theatre in Averham.

Debuting in 1973 at Nottingham Playhouse and directed by Sir Richard Eyre, the play tells the story of a unique 100-day period marking the end of the second world war, between VE Day in April and VJ Day in August 1945.

Loosely biographical — the playwright’s family lived in Sneinton— it tells the story of three sisters played by Rebecca Ladds, and Argent newcomers Louise Clark and Lucy Kitchen.

The sisters extended family and friends either live close or they work together. It’s been described as a lovestory to working class Britain.

Sibling rivalry, comedic misunder-standings, a beautiful picnic in Colwick Woods and reference to Boots Factory, the Raleigh Works and Slab Square plant this play firmly in Nottingham.

Director Mary Timms said: “I fell in love with the script a few years ago and have been waiting for the right time.”

A young newcomer to the adult stage is Southwell’s Autumn Leeson-Smith, who plays Joan’s daughter, Pauline.

The cast also includes Janina Sulek, Yvonne Cockayne, Sally Williams and the male characters are played by actors Tim McManus and Connor Marshall.

Assistant director Rebecca Smith said: “It’s great to have so many new members stepping out on stage, some for the first time in many years. Rehearsals are going well and we’re conquering the Nottingham accent! Who knew 20 miles up the road we would talk so differently!’

Performances are Wednesday to Friday next week at 7.30pm plus 2.30pm on Saturday.

Tickets are £12 and available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/robinhood