Fracked!

A new play by ALISTAIR BEATON

Directed by RICHARD WILSON

★★★★★ “Comedy Gold” Daily Mail
★★★★ “Very funny” Guardian
★★★★ “As topical and pacy as the deluge of headlines breaking by the minute.” The i newspaper

Following an acclaimed, sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, FRACKED! OR PLEASE DON’T USE THE F-WORD now visits [venue] as part of a major UK tour.

Alistair Beaton’s provocative new comedy takes us to an idyllic English village threatened by an energy company intent on drilling for shale gas. Anne Reid plays Elizabeth, a retired academic who finds herself transformed from obedient citizen to angry protestor. While her increasingly grumpy husband (James Bolam) longs for the quiet life, Elizabeth soars to fame via social media. Desperate to get planning permission, hard-nosed PR men team up with a corrupt local councillor to persuade the villagers that fracking is a good thing. Elizabeth’s having none of it, and mounts the barricades…..

This new razor-sharp black comedy by Alistair Beaton takes a timely look at the conflicted core of planetary energy and earthly power. A much-praised political satirist, Beaton’s television work includes the BAFTA-nominated The Trial of Tony Blair and Spitting Image, and plays such as the West End hit Feelgood.

The distinguished cast includes James Bolam as Elizabeth’s husband Jack, whose credits include New Tricks (BBC) and Glengarry Glen Ross (Donmar Warehouse, Olivier nomination). Anne Reid plays Elizabeth. She is acclaimed for her many award-winning roles including Hedda Gabler (Old Vic) and Last Tango in Halifax (BBC). They are joined by Michael Simkins, known for his many TV and West End roles, most recently Yes, Prime Minister and HayFever.

★★★★★ Alistair Beaton’s brilliant new comedy is in lockstep with the times. Although clearly anti-fracking, Beaton doesn’t preach and has terrific fun giving equal weight to both sides.Daily Mail

★★★★ Richard Wilson’s fast-moving production is a buoyant addition to the swelling ranks of environmental dramas. Very funny. Guardian

★★★★ As topical and pacy as the deluge of headlines breaking by the minute. The i newspaper