As benefits-class double-bill Killymuck and Box Clever opens at The Bunker this week, we take a look at at what happened in rehearsals for these hard-hitting, vital plays. Check out our gallery, then book your tickets!
Written by Kat Woods and Monsay Whitney, the pair of plays, staged by W14 Productions and The Bunker, run at the underground venue until 13 April 2019.
The two shows have a lot in common. Both are one-woman tales. Both are written by women. And both have female directors; Catriona Shoobridge directs Killymuck, while Stef O’Driscoll directs Box Clever. Both plays explore the political cause and effect of what it means to be born and grow up with less.
Inspired by real events, Killymuck follows the story of Niamh, a kid from the benefits system who has grown up in a housing estate that was built on a pauper’s graveyard. As she struggles to escape the underclass stereotype, educational barriers, impoverishment, depression and lack of opportunities conspire against her.
Aoife Lennon in Mule
Aoife Lennon stars as Niamh. She previously appeared in Woods’ play Mule, as well as XX at Theatre503 and Autumn Fire and Finborough Theatre. Woods’ other plays include Belfast Boy, Wasted and Dirty Flirty Thirty.
Box Clever follows a mother whose life seems to be cyclical. The darkly comic tale follows her experience of refuge life and her commitment to do the best she can for her daughter despite the failure of the system.
The production stars Redd Lily Roche, whose previous work includes Land of the Three Towers at Camden People’s Theatre and The Nighttella at the Lyric Theatre. Whitney’s previous plays include Hand to Mouth, which was longlisted for both the Bruntwood and Verity Bargate prizes, and was also directed by Stef O’Driscoll when it was staged at Theatre 503.
Killymuck and Box Clever run at The Bunker as part of a season that also includes the Fringe First-winning Funeral Flowers, about a 17-year-old who dreams of being a florist, and Fuck You Pay Me, which brings together comedy, poetry and live music in a feminist love letter to strippers.
Killymuck and Box Clever run from 26 March to 13 April 2019 at Bunker Theatre, 53A Southwark St, London SE1 1RU, with performances Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7.30pm & 9pm, matinees Saturdays at 2.30pm & 4pm. Tickets are priced £15 (concessions £12) or you can buy a double-bill ticket for £22. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!!
Rehearsal gallery
Images: Craig Sugden
