As hard and as strong as the metal itself, Steel the new play premiered at Theatre by the Lake plays with the emotions and takes you on a journey through the West Cumbrian town of Workington, writes Karen Morley-Chesworth. Steel is part of the inagural CumbriaFest.
Steel is a play that tells the story of the people of Cumbria, the working classes left without work, the hard realities of the town, built on heavy industry, and celebrates the communities left behind.
Written by Lee Mattinson, the script is beautiful to listen to. The lyrical tones of West Cumbrian language flow like a musical stream. The lines are quick, witty and overflowing with reality and honesty.
The story is of two Workington pals, working in the fast-food takeaway. One has less than 24 hours to find a document to provide proof of a multi-million-pound inheritance. Together they discover more about themselves, their heritage and their potential futures.
This two-person play holds no punches and the pace keeps you on the edge of your seat. Jordan Tweddle as James and Suraj Shan as Kamran are the perfect casting. They work in harmony together, to retell their story, and capture the characters they encounter along the way.
The chemistry and bond between these two actors sparks and fills the theatre with a captivating energy.
The stark, juxtaposition of the industrial West Cumbria and the idyllic Lake District brought home. Now known as the Energy Coast, there is still high unemployment and low opportunities for people like Kamran and James compared with the neighbouring, picture postcard National Park attracting flocks of visitors. It is like the divide between two worlds that have finally met on the shores of Derwentwater at Theatre by the Lake.
There are some classic lines, including “I hate Beatrix Potter, whoever he is!”
Director, Liz Stephenson has done a superb job. This is a production which draws you into the world of the characters, who you care passionately about.
The set designer also deserves a big mention. The simple line drawing floor captures the landmarks of Workington, which we are taken through during this unforgettable performance.
This production has the feel of a 1960s kitchen sink drama – but with the sophistication of a 21st-century writer’s hand. Steel captures this moment in time for working-class people living in an isolated industrial town, and gives hope.
The community choir was formed in Workington to provide the sound for the finale of this production. It symbolises how a community can and does stay close together through thick and thin. I had the pleasure of seeing the Steel Community Choir sing the anthem for Steel on Theatre by the Lake’s main stage, at the 25th birthday celebration for the theatre earlier this month. You could see the joy, enthusiasm and pride these representatives from Workington have for their town and area.
Steel is more than a brilliant script, perfect casting and beautiful production. It is a lightning rod which is bringing the energy of the West Coast together.
The packed auditorium encourages new people to come to the theatre, to celebrate who they are and where they are from. It was wonderful to see more young people in the audience, enjoying the drama of the theatre.
Mattinson has created something special with Steel. It is one not to miss.
- For more information and to book tickets visit www.theatrebythelake.com
- Steel runs at Theatre by the Lake until Saturday, 19 October and then goes on tour:
- The Centre, Maryport Wednesday 23 October
- Florence Arts Centre, Egremont, Thursday 24 October
- The Beggars Theatre, Millom, Friday 25 October
- Carlisle Youth Zone, Wednesday 30 October
- The Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre, Workington, Saturday 2-Sunday 3 November
