It’s 1977 and for the first time in Fire Brigade history, a national strike threatens to bring the country to a stand still.
In a quiet corner of Cheshire, the lads of Blue Watch, Macclesfield are waiting with bated breath to see what this means for them. Will their hopes blaze to union glory or smoulder to ashes and what will this mean for the Brigade, their loved ones and the lads themselves?
Through a fictionalised account of the ‘Bysmal Boys of Macclesfield Blue Watch, you will be transported back to the true life backdrop of the strike action as autumn gives way to the Winter of Discontent. Genders’ new play explores this rarely examined period of history and the impact that is still felt today.
Conflictive, comic yet utterly compassionate, the boys of Blue Watch navigate their individual stories and that of their brotherhood. It may just be 30% but is that all they really stand to lose?
WINNER OF “BEST DRAMA” – GREATER MANCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL 2021
Making theatre has been in our genes for over two decades. Our determination to showcase not only our own artistic passions, but also the talents and amazing creativity of our fellow creators here in North is something we care deeply about.
We know Rome was not built in a day, and while we have some high aspirations for Northern Rep Theatre (wherein we operate as a perpetual creative industry, offering work to those getting on to the professional theatre ladder and those who have already established themselves) we are keen to take it steady and at a pace that enables growth and focus.
While London dominates our theatre scene in this country, we are fervent in our long-term aim to become a flagship for Northern theatre-making and build not only an active and flourishing company, but also find roots across the North to support and foster others in their dreams too.