This play based on the best-sellng 19th century novel set in London's east end was performed as a rehearsed reading by an ensemble of profession actors in this first ever dramatisation of Arthur Morrison's social realism novel about the Jago slums of Shoreditch.

 

The play depicts a young man's struggle to survive the 'blackest pit' of London before the jail, the gallows, the High Mob, or the Jago finally get to him.  As the story unfolds the themes of chlld poverty, gang warfare, aspiration, faith and fatherhood that resonate in our times are relayed with humour, satire and colourful characterisation.

 

This reading attracted a full audience who were asked to repond via feedback forms as part of an R&D towards a fuller production in 2016.  The audience responses can be seen on our facebook page here.  

 

Cast: Oliver Yellop, Sarah Dorsett, John Terence, Tommy Grabeic, Adrian Relph, Marian Elizabeth, Tom Shah, Darrie Gardner

 

Directed by: Simone Vause