11 April 2024
Tron Theatre, Glasgow
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's 2030 and the UK benefits system has undergone a transformation. Chris is going blind, she needs crutches to move around and is in constant pain. When Ralph visits her home to complete a disability benefits assessment, will Chris be able to convince him that she is not fit for work?
But then, if you are capable of killing and disposing of a body, can you really call yourself disabled?
And so sets the scene for Birds of Paradise Theatre Company's dark comedy Don't Make Tea.
The welfare state may seem an unusual topic for a play on paper, but in reality it's a perfectly horrific regime primed for ridicule and parody. A source of great distress and anxiety for many, Don't Make Tea makes it clear from the start that when given no other choice but to claim benefits, the stakes are always high. Chris literally will not survive without government support, and yet the system, here represented by Ralph, seem to be oblivious and unsympathetic to her predicament. What choice does she have really?
It's a fascinating concept wrapped into a glorious play that transcends boundaries and should make everyone who sees it question what "accessible theatre" really means. With razor-sharp dialogue and hilarious black comedy, Don't Make Tea is one of the funniest pieces of theatre I have ever seen. Performed to perfection by an exceptional cast, the deadpan humour and impossible, seat-squirming situations just keep coming and coming.
The quality of the writing, the set, lighting and performances are top tier. Yes this play is captioned and signed at every performance - it's probably the most accessible stage work you can hope for - but such is the genius of BOP, Writer Rob Drummond and Director Robert Softley Gale, that the accessible elements are completely integrated into the narrative. They are not mere afterthoughts or troublesome add-ons: They are essential parts of the story, and even the butt of the joke at times. It's genius. Future productions could learn so much from watching BOP's Don't Make Tea. This is how you do it.
I loved this so much that I bought the play script on my way out the door. Don't Make Tea is a remarkable piece of theatre. Don't miss it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writer Rob Drummond comments "This is a piece I have been thinking about writing for a long time - since becoming aware of the inherent, often Kafkaesque, drama involved in undertaking a disability assessment in this country. The play I had in mind, however, has been greatly enhanced by the provocations and challenges gifted to me by BOP and their associates. I’m proud of what we’ve come up with - a dark comedy that doesn’t claim to have all the answers but hopefully asks a lot of the right questions, in a way that aims to heal political divides rather than exacerbate them."
Artistic Director Robert Softley Gale says "We're thrilled to be bringing back this hit production showcasing our dynamic approach to creatively embedded access and placing the stories of disabled people centre stage across the UK. This show feels frighteningly relevant to our lives right now."
📸 production photos: Andy Catlin
Access: ALL performances of Don't Make Tea at the Tron Theatre are captioned and have creatively embedded BSL interpretation, with audio description integrated into the script.
⚠️ Birds of Paradise Theatre Company are hosting an online conversation about Disability benefits in the UK on 9th May.
For more information and to book visit: https://www.boptheatre.co.uk/dont-make-tea/#Online
Don't Make Tea Cast
Chris Gillian Dean
Able Richard Conlon
Ralph Neil John Gibson
Frances Emery Hunter
Jude Nicola Chegwin
Creatives
Writer Rob Drummond
Director Robert Softley Gale
Designer Kenneth Macleod
Lighting Designer Grant Anderson
AV Designer Jamie MacDonald
Composer Scott Twynholm
Creative Producer Mairi Taylor
Producer Michelle Rolfe
Don't Make Tea is a riveting new dark comedy from Rob Drummond (Bulletcatch, The Majority) and was first presented by Scotland’s pre-eminent disability-led theatre company at Traverse Theatre, 4th – 10th October 2022.
Don't Make Tea Listings
2024
21st – 22nd March Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED
26th March – 6th April Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE
9th April The Gaiety Theatre, Carrick Street, Ayr KA7 1NU
11th – 13th April Tron Theatre, 63 Trongate, Glasgow G1 5HB
16th April Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld G67 2UF
19th April Ffwrnes Theatre, Ffwrnes, Park Street, Llanelli SA15 3YE
🌟 Also playing in Glasgow this week: 🌟
The Drifters Girl is at The King's Theatre until Sat 13th April 2024.
🎟️ Tickets here: www.atgtickets.com
The Kite Runner is at the Theatre Royal until Sat 13th April 2024.
🎟️ Tickets here: www.atgtickets.com
About Birds of Paradise Theatre Company
Birds of Paradise Theatre Company is Scotland’s leading touring theatre company employing disabled and non-disabled actors.
Established in 1993, BOP became disability led in 2012 and now focuses on delivering work across BOP Theatre, BOP Development and BOP Strategy strands to have the widest impact locally and internationally.
As BOP enters its 30th anniversary year, the company’s work continues to impact on the diversity of the wider cultural landscape, remaining world-renowned for integrating access into all its productions, and in developing work that addresses disability with honestly, integrity, and humour.
REVIEW: Don't Make Tea (UK Tour) by Birds of Paradise Theatre Company at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow, April 2024.
🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange for my time and for writing this review. Neither the venue nor show has a say in what I write. I'm completely independent and review invites do not have any impact on my analysis or star ratings.
📸 Find Lisa in the Theatre on Instagram for more photos and videos.
