The Political History of Smack and Crack

by Ed Edwards

A co-production between Most Wanted and Offstage Theatre in association with W14 Productions and Alastair Michael, co-commissioned by Soho Theatre.

3 – 26 August 2018 at 5.30pm, Paines Plough's Roundabout @ Summerhall, Edinburgh Festival

4 – 22 September 2018, Soho Theatre in London

1 - 17 November 2018, The Mustard Tree refuge in Manchester

We also worked with Synergy Theatre Project

Director                         Cressida Brown

Lighting Designer          Richard Williamson

Sound Designer            Jon McLeod

Movement Director        Kate Sagovsky

Costume Consultant         Esteniah Williams

Cast

Neil Bell

Eve Steele

“The history of England jumps off its axis. 2am, 8th July, 1981, every major city in England burn."

The night of the Manchester uprising. That night changed everything.  That night two kids locked eyes. Mandy and Neil. Years later they meet again, but revolution is not in the air. All that was crushed by Thatcher.  Or by a heroin epidemic. This is an epic love song to a lost generation.

Drawing from his own personal experience, Ed Edwards' script crackles with anger, humour and authenticity about the road to recovery.

★★★★★ The Stage ‘There's maybe nothing better at the whole festival– than Ed Edwards’ The Political History of Smack and Crack, a riotously entertaining and deeply moving drama-cum-documentary exploring the history of heroin use in Manchester.’

★★★★★ The 730 Review ‘The simplicity and passion of the story-telling left me inspired; it relied on nothing more than a well-written script, a good heart and beautiful performances.’

★★★★★ Backstage on the Fringe

★★★★★ Morning Star

★★★★ The Guardian

★★★★ The Scotsman ‘As a love story it’s unexpectedly tender; as a social history its shockingly dark; as a piece of theatre it’s excellent’

★★★★ Financial Times

★★★★ Whats On Stage

★★★★ The Independent 

★★★★ The List 

★★★★ The Upcoming

★★★★ Spy in the Stalls

★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine 

★★★★ Fest Magazine

★★★★ British theatre.com

Off West End Nominations for Best Play and Director

Thank you to our funders :

The Fidelio Charitable Trust

The Unity Trust

Arts Council England