Next week sees the opening of Tapped – a brand new play written by Katie Redford and produced by Bethany Cooper, who was awarded the Stage One Bursary which provides financial and practical assistance to help new producers get their first productions up and running. Directed by Piers Black, the production opens at Theatre503 on 12 April, with previews from 5 April, and runs until 23 April 2022.
Tapped is a heart-warming comedy that explores the importance of connection, fulfilment and (lack of) hope. In Stapleford aka Stabbo, we meet Gavi, Jen and Dawn at an amateur self-help group who all share one commonality; they’re desperate for escapism. Tapped is a witty and sensitive portrayal of managing mental health within a family, highlighting the barriers we put up in order to put on a brave face, whilst having those all-important lightbulb moments, like realising Aldi really does sell everything.
A play about eating too many biscuits, missed opportunities, big dreams in small places and how the idea of change is far easier said than done.
Gavi wants to inspire his community. Which is tricky when everyone would prefer to just stay at home and watch Bake Off. Adamant to succeed, he starts hosting motivational meetings from his garage for his fellow Co-op colleagues. With the help of daily mantras, goal setting and repeatedly listening to Spandau Ballet, he believes he can change their lives for the better. However, when the only two attendees are bickering mother and daughter Dawn and Jen, it’s not quite the enlightening experience they all thought it would be. Dawn wants more from life, Jen wants a brand-new life and Gavi just wants Jen in his life; but there’s only so much ‘positive visualisation’ they can all do before simply facing up to the painful reality of what’s really going on.
Jennifer Daley plays Dawn alongside Olivia Sweeney playing Jen and Max Hastings as Gavi. The production opens on 12 April, and runs until 23 April. A live-captured version of the production will stream on 26 April.
Writer Katie Redford said:
“The first short play I ever wrote was on at Theatre503, so to have my debut professional play there is really exciting. Tapped is a play about eating too many Club biscuits, never getting round to fixing the shower and reminiscing about the days of SMTV Live. But fundamentally, it’s also about feeling stuck and fiercely longing for human connection. Even if we do share different opinions on which is the best Club biscuit. (The green one. Always the green one.)”
Producer Bethany Cooper said:
“It feels very full circle to be producing a play at Theatre503 where I first trained as an Assistant Producer, and had the opportunity to connect with Katie. Stage One’s support is fundamental to so many new producers, and the bursary gives me an opportunity to embark on a commercial career.”
Find out more about the work that Stage One does to financially and practically support producers here.