Nottingham Playhouse Presents The Children
‘I don’t know how to want less.’Hazel and Robin are living out their retirement in a cottage on the east coast. They listen to Radio 4, speak regularly with their children and Hazel never misses a day of yoga practice. But their existence is far from cosy – electricity is rationed and there’s a Geiger counter to hand to check radiation levels – for they live just outside the exclusion zone of a nuclear disaster.
When old friend Rose visits out of the blue, they crack open the parsnip wine and reminisce. But uncomfortable memories resurface, and Rose’s shocking proposal threatens their entire future. All three are forced to confront how their life choices have affected each other, as well as future generations.
Lucy Kirkwood’s play is both epic and intimate, a gripping and funny thriller that highlights how the time to act is slipping through our fingers.
Winner 2018 Writer’s Guild for Best Play/Tony Award 2018 Best Play nomination/Top 3 in The Guardian’s 2019 Best theatre shows of the 21st century,