Lively friends make hit show possible

Wednesday 18 September to Saturday 5 October Wet House A Live Theatre Production Supported by the Friends of Live Theatre Written by Paddy Campbell Directed by Max Roberts Designed by Gary McCann As Live Theatre’s latest sell-out production Wet House comes to a close this weekend it is the Friends of Live Theatre that are to be thanked for helping to bring this hit play to the stage. Directed by Max Roberts, Wet House is the first full length play by 33 year old Paddy Campbell.  Set in a wet house, a hostel for homeless people where residents can drink alcohol, audiences are invited to meet Andy, an idealistic young graduate who has just become the latest member of staff to be recruited at Crabtree House.  A comedy tinged with sadness and tragedy the play asks how do you keep your head when everyone else is off theirs? This is the first production that has been supported by the Friends of Live Theatre.  The scheme, which is approaching its first anniversary, has provided fans of Live Theatre with the opportunity to directly support the work of talented young playwrights such as Paddy Campbell. As director of Wet House and Artistic Director of Live Theatre Max Roberts said: “Wet House is the first play to be supported by our Friends.  We chose this play as it epitomises the way we support and develop new writing talent from the region.  Paddy has been associated with the company for a number of years during which time he has written pieces for the youth theatre and contributed to Live Lab, the public face of our writer development programme. “Wet House is Paddy’s first full length play and we are delighted with the response it is receiving from audiences and critics alike.  I would like to personally thank our Friends for their on-going support and we look forward to showcasing more new talent in the coming years with their help.” The Friends of Live Theatre (which are broken down into three categories Friends, Good Friends and Best Friends) have had the opportunity to take part in a number of exciting and exclusive events during the last 12 months including the chance to meet and talk to the writer, cast and director of Wet House. Alison Walton, one of Live Theatre’s Good Friends said: “It has been a huge honour to be able to support the production of Wet House. Paddy Campbell has a major talent. He has written a play with some very important messages about society’s attitude to vulnerable people and the experiences of people with alcohol problems. The play has incredible humour as well as some very powerful scenes tackling the tragedy of addiction. The acting is superb; all six actors give fantastic performances. By supporting Live Theatre I know that I am contributing to the development of talent, the preserving of local theatre in the North East and all the pleasure that gives, as well as helping to preserve our north east history and culture.” Wet House stars Joe Caffrey, Chris Connel, Riley Jones, Jackie Lye, Dave Nellist and Eva Quinn. Wet House continues at Live Theatre until Saturday 5 October. For more information or to book tickets visit www.live.org.uk or contact the box office on (0191) 232 1232.