The Bear Cave
New theatre work
The Bear Cave
developed in collaboration with Hannah Watkins
A one act play
Set in a garden shed in rural England
Early December, the near future
Cast: Katherine, mid 50s
Sue, mid 30s
Running time approximately 75 minutes.
Sue and Colin are married. They have agreed to visit Colin’s mum, Kathy, to keep her company over the weekend while Richard, her husband is away in Germany for a few days singing with a choir. Kathy plans a weekend of treats for Colin and Lucas, his 4 year old son by a previous relationship.
When Sue arrives, Colin isn’t with her.
And Kathy is sheltering in Richard’s shed at the bottom of their garden. There’s been a power cut, and the shed has a wood burning stove and camping-gas lanterns. It’s the first time that Kathy and Sue have spent time alone together. And Richard’s shed is his domain and a very male environment.
Soon after Sue arrives, Colin rings from a police station. He’s been taking part in an anti-fracking demonstration, and has been arrested. Then Sue stumbles upon a leather wallet containing Orient Express tickets to Venice. Is it a surprise present from Richard to his wife, or something far more threatening?
And gradually the two women, who have constructed their identities around the men in their lives – Colin, Richard and Lucas – are forced to find strength in each other. And they start to confront the dark secrets they have each been denying.
The play has not yet received a professional production. Contact me if you want to read a copy of the script.