a new play by Anita Sullivan
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2005
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BASED
ON A TRUE STORY
Roz is an ordinary 38-year-old British woman who sells life assurance. Her story starts with a cough, and ends up in intensive care. But it doesn't finish there. Roz learns that living can be even messier than dying. The play is an acerbic, character-driven road-trip through HIV diagnosis, towards long-term survival on medication. Finally, Roz confronts the man she believes infected her. The female perspective distinguishes 'Pricked' from other HIV plays, and connects it to current issues. |
THEATRE PREMIERPricked was commissioned and developed by the Drum Theatre, who are co-produced the play with Ripple. It premiered at The Assembly Rooms for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2005 then toured to Plymouth Theatre Royal and Bath Theatre Royal in June 2006 (same cast and production team). |
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PRICKED REVIEWS"Skillfully written, its tone a challenge, full of sarcastic jest" Kate Kellaway, The Observer (review of 'Full Blown') "Anita Sullivan's Pricked is an outstandingly clever, classy and heartfelt piece of work... Ruth Mitchell's performance as Roz is beautiful and she has terrific support from Derek Frood." The Scotsman, Joyce McMilla "With sharp and witty dialogue, Ruth Mitchell as Roz takes us on a roller-coaster ride of emotions... Pricked should be compulsory viewing for all schools or colleges...and for all those ostriches who think "that could never happen to me"! Elaine McFadyen BBC Devonn "There's a fair dose of comedy in Anita Sullivan's play about an unexpected HIV diagnosis... Roz is played with great skill by Ruth Mitchell... Pricked is a beautifully told and romantic tale, albeit with a hard core". Three Weeks "Pricked is a beautiful, well-paced play that builds its dramatic tension carefully. It features a moving performance from Ruth Mitchell and a dozen cameos from character actor Derek Frood who effortlessly moves from part to part with the greatest skill. This is a quiet, angry show that should not be missed." British Theatre Guide, Philip Fisher "Tying it all together is the simple direction of David Prescott. The overall effect is a beautiful piece of theatre about life and the consequence of seemingly inconsequential acts. Pricked shows us all the strenght that we have within ourselves." Lisa Bennie, Scottish Theatre Web "Buy a ticket... a great piece of new theatre" Chris Cooke, Three Weeks (Feature) "Real writing, and real theatre. Recommended." Ritchie Smith, Edinburgh Guide |
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CREATIVE TEAMWriter Anita Sullivan has had 20 plays staged. She's had work at The Traverse, Citizens, Tron, Drum, Riverside Studios. Companies include the RSC and BBC. She won a Scotsman Fringe First for 'The Last Supper of Dr Faustus'. Director David Prescott is Artistic Associate of Theatre Royal Plymouth. He's directed plays for many companies including Starving Artists, and was Literary Manager of London New Plays Festival. Performer Ruth Mitchell has taken leading roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company, including Queen Margaret in Katie Mitchell's world tour of Henry VI part 3. Performer Derek Frood has worked extensively with Theatre Alibi. Lighting designer Douglas Kuhrt lit all Starving Artists' plays at the Traverse in the 1990's. |
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ABOUT RIPPLERipple is a new theatre company is the south-west dedicated to developing text and issue-led new plays on an intimate scale. Pricked is our first production. RIPPLE THEATRE CONTACT: anita@anitasullivan.co.uk |
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