CRUSHED SHELLS AND MUD

 

  • @ Jack Sain, 2015
  • @ Jack Sain, 2015
  • @ Jack Sain, 2015
  • @ Jack Sain, 2015

 

England trembles in the grip of a devastating epidemic. But in a remote coastal village, quiet Derek waits for love and life to really begin. Then Lydia arrives. She burns brightly, beyond Derek’s wildest dreams. And she is hiding something.

When Derek discovers her secret, they are both propelled into a strange new world of conflicted desire and dangerous loyalties, where terrifying forces test their courage and humanity. But can love survive the fear inside?

‘Musgrave writes so beautifully: these intricate, intimate moments – psychological dances of persuasion, rivalry and cruelty. (whatsonstage)

Crushed Shells and Mud premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in October 2015.

It featured incredible performances by an astounding cast – ALEX LAWTHER (nominated for a whatsonstage award for his performance as Derek), HANNAH BRITLAND, ALEXANDER ARNOLD, SIMON LENAGAN, LAURA HOWARD, CLARE ALMOND. Stunning realised by a top-notch creative team headed by the director RUSSELL BOLAM. The designer was ELLAN PARRY, lighting designer RICHARD GODIN, sound designer RICHARD HAMMARTON, and casting director was GEORGIA FLEURY REYNOLDS.

The play was published by NICK HERN BOOKS.

It was produced by Caitlin Albery Beavan for Moya Productions and Nadezhda Zhelyazkova.

Here are some of the things that have been said about the play (I’ve selected things that focus on the writing, but there’s an abundance of praise for the outstanding, award-nominated performances and production to be found elsewhere).

REVIEWS
‘Musgrave writes so beautifully: these intricate, intimate moments – psychological dances of persuasion, rivalry and cruelty. (whatsonstage)
‘Teen spirit in the apocalypse… A sensitive portrait of a teenage love triangle…Russell Bolam’s pensive production, with a strikingly rickety design by Ellan Parry, highlights the writing’s strengths. There’s much to admire in the performances, too’ (Evening Standard) 
‘The imagery is haunting, the performances are top class and the progression of the play always keeps us enthralled’. (thereviewshub.com)
‘A heartwarming and heart wrenching portrayal of teenage relationships.’ (Exeunt Magazine).
‘4*s’ (Westend Wilma)
‘4*- ‘this play is infectious… troubling but thrilling …a performance that will stick with you’ (auditorium mag.co.uk
TWITTER
And there’s lots on twitter (from people I don’t know!) including:
‘Can’t stop thinking about #CrushedShellsSP @swkplay last night. A captivating and compassionate play with a stellar cast! Go and see it’
‘Gripping, charismatic, heartfelt writing, elegantly played by a vibrant cast – 5*’
‘Intimate and eerie, storytelling at its finest, #CrushedShellsSP @swkplay enchanting set and courageous acting from all. Go see!’
‘Crushed Shells & Mud at @swkplay had me on the edge of my seat. Incredible acting and the 2 hours flew by. Intriguing, dark and haunting.’