12 Mar 2025
The Dreams I Had: Andrea Dunbar
Celebrating one of Bradford’s most distinctive voices.
Performance: 7.30pm
Youth Pass: £5
Seniors: £17 ↓
These readings contain swearing and scenes of an adult nature that some may find distressing.
- BSL interpreted
- Captioned
Erica Whyman directs a one-night-only celebration of one of Bradford’s most distinctive voices.
Andrea Dunbar wrote vividly and brilliantly of the Bradford she knew. Born and raised in Buttershaw, she made her name as a teenager when The Arbor, her first play, premiered to huge acclaim at London’s Royal Court. She followed it with Rita, Sue and Bob Too and Shirley, two plays that combine domestic drama, social comment and wicked humour to powerful effect – and that remain just as relevant today.
We’re celebrating this extraordinary writer at St George’s Hall, marking 45 years since the premiere of The Arbor and 35 years since her tragically early death. Directed by Erica Whyman, the Yorkshire-born former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and developed with Bradford writer Kat Rose-Martin, The Dreams I Had presents staged readings of selections from Dunbar’s works – showcasing the explosive talent of this once-in-a-generation writer.
Director
Kat Rose-Martin
Dramaturg
Prema Mehta
Lighting Designer
Antony Lamble
Production and Costume Designer
Dyfan Jones
Sound Designer
Amy Ball
Casting Director
Produced by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Lead image: © Don McPhee
Cast
Roy and Landlord in Shirley/Bob and Sue’s Dad in Rita Sue and Bob Too
Billy in The Arbor/Eddie in Shirley
Policeman, Simon and Warrant Officer in Shirley
Karen in Shirley/Ann and Maureen in The Arbor/Rita and Michelle in Rita, Sue and Bob Too
Mrs Rennish in The Arbor/Audrey in Shirley/Mum in Rita, Sue and Bob Too
Yousaf in The Arbor/John in Shirley
Shirley in Shirley/Girl in The Arbor/Sue in Rita. Sue and Bob Too
Access
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BSL interpreted
This event will have BSL interpretation. The best position to see the BSL interpretation will be in the Stalls.
Choose the ticket type ‘BSL Interpreted’ when you book online, or contact our Ticketing team on [email protected] or call 01274 053100. See our opening times.
Live captioning
This event will have live captions delivered via an app on your personal device. We will also have devices available to borrow.
To find out more contact our Ticketing team on [email protected] or call 01274 053100. See our opening times.
Past event
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