Hampstead Downstairs’ production of Firebird will be available for audiences to stream for free from Friday.
The tale of a teenage girl who is groomed by an older man, which was filmed during its run at the venue in October, can be watched from 10:00 on 6 November until midnight on 10 November through the Hampstead Theatre’s website.
The debut play from Phil Davies, Firebird is based on the recent cases of child sexual exploitation in towns including Rotherham, Rochdale and Oxford, and follows the story of Tia, a teenager with a mouthy attitude and confident swagger. But underneath this harsh exterior is a vulnerable girl whose tough start in life draws her to AJ, an older, good-looking and charismatic man who shows her a kindness she’s never known: kindness that comes with a price.
Firebird is produced in collaboration with The Children’s Society, whose Seriously Awkward campaign is urging the government to strengthen the law protecting young people experiencing sexual exploitation and helping them to get the justice they deserve.
Talking about the cause, Davies said: “When Edward Hall told me Hampstead was going to produce my first play, Firebird, I was incredibly excited. I’m even more excited now that my play will be supporting the brilliant Children’s Society’s campaign to make sure its themes are seen by as many people as possible. If Firebird can in some way have a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable young people I will be very proud indeed.”
Theatre fans watching the stream are encouraged to interact on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtags #Firebird and #SeriouslyAwkward. A post-show Q&A with the show’s writer and director will also be made available to viewers.