Victorian woman from Ipswich takes centre stage in new play

New historical play from Red Rose Chain’s Youth Theatre, 29th and 30th April, Ipswich

Next month the premiere of a new play written and directed by the Chainers Youth Theatre will take place at
The Avenue Theatre in Ipswich.

Hot on the heels of the sell-out success of the Youth Theatre’s last production, ‘Outcast’ a reworking of the
Anglo Saxon poem, Beowulf, ‘Happy Families’ is a new historical play telling the true story of the life of Emma
Hawes, a Victorian woman trying to get by in poverty stricken Ipswich.

Emma’s daughter, Mary, voices how unsure she is about attending her mother’s funeral. While listening to
often contradictory and downright ridiculous tales delivered by her family and friends, she discovers that
despite being surrounded by calamity, Emma might not have been as bad as she thought!
This exciting take on local heritage explores how people were and still are, quick to judge those who have fallen
on hard times. The play takes its historical storytelling to the extreme, with a cast of colourful characters and
unique theatrical styles.

The Chainer’s Youth Theatre is an inclusive theatre for ages 15+ providing high quality training and experiences
creating new and exciting theatre projects.

Joanna Carrick, Artistic Director, at Red Rose Chain says, “Our young people are growing as artists, developing
skills in writing, directing and production as well as performing. It has been a joy to oversee the project and
facilitate the emergence of new, young, diverse and vibrant creative artists.”

The play will take place at 7pm on Saturday 29th April and 1.30pm and 4.30pm on Sunday 30th April.

Tickets are available from Red Rose Chain’s Box Office at www.redrosechain.com or call 01473 603388 for further
information