A new play based on the real life stories of Suffolk residents will premiere next month.
Call Me John by Megan Durrant is the tale of John, an 85-year-old great grandfather born and bred in Suffolk. John is worried he will be forgotten after he’s passed on. When his troubled grandson, Ashley, comes to visit, John decides to share his life story, hoping to set him on a better path. But can John’s story really connect with the “youth of today”?
The story has been inspired by the memories and experiences of local residents in Beccles, Bungay, and Halesworth following five months of conversations with residents and community groups by local theatre company Reflex Theatre.
Artistic director Callan Durrant said: “This play has been 10 years in the making. My own great grandfather began to write down his life story and said to me that he didn’t want to be forgotten. Having spoken to so many wonderful local people, both young and old, we realised that they too felt they were being forgotten.
“We want to bridge the gap between generations with this play, ensuring no feels forgotten at any stage of life.”
The show will premiere at The Cut, Halesworth on September 5, 2023, with shows at Beccles Public Hall & Theatre on September 6 and the Fisher Theatre, Bungay on September 7.
The production has been supported with funding from East Suffolk Council’s High Street
Events grant scheme as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
- Tickets and more details on the Reflex Theatre website.
