fell , a new play written by Chris Salt, a member of the Northern Royal Court Writers’ group, opens at Kirkgate Arts in Cockermouth on Saturday 1st February 2020, followed by a tour to other theatre, school and community venues in
Cumbria. fell explores adolescence, physical and emotional resilience and the forging of an unlikely friendship in the shadows of the high fells.
fell tells the story of two teenagers, Jake and Lyle, who meet on the edge of a tarn. Over 24 hours and against the backdrop of an unpredictable physical landscape, the lads chip away at each other’s certainties until they are no longer sure of who they really are or what the future holds.
The play is directed by Janys Chambers and is performed by two young northern actors, Tarek Slater, nominated for best actor at ‘Manhattan Short’ film festival for his role as Józef Paczynski in ‘Hope Dies Last’ and Daniel Paul, who appears in the latest Warburton’s bread advert with Robert De Niro. fell is designed by Jane Linz Roberts, who has designed work in theatres including Birmingham Rep and National Theatre of Wales, who has introduced immersive elements to add to the audience experience.
Writer, Chris Salt says: “When writing the play, I remembered my own adolescence and holidays spent fell-walking and camping with mates in the Lake District. The wild landscape, harsh and romantic at the same time felt like a good starting point.”
Young people from the Cumbria Youth Alliance in Workington were involved in the development of the play through workshops which explored the themes of growing up in a rural environment. Cath Clarke, CEO of Cumbria Youth Alliance said, “”When people think of Cumbria and the Lake District, they don’t often think of the coastal areas that are home to many young people with marginalised opportunities. This gave our young people a real opportunity to tell their story and the challenges and issues they face growing up in such a rural setting. It gave them a voice and made them feel empowered. It built their confidence and the whole team is thankful to be given that opportunity.”
fell Director, Janys Chambers said: “This is a play about being a teenager; the joy, the pain, the struggles and the funny bits in between.”
fell will preview at Kirkgate Arts on Saturday 1 February, before touring to Cumbria and the north-west.
fell is supported by Arts Council England, Kirkgate Arts and Linden Learning.
By Chris Salt
Director: Janys Chambers
Set Designer: Jane Linz Roberts
Cast: Tarek Slater and Daniel Paul
