I Think We Are Alone

by Sally Abbott

2020

Overview

Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth Production, co-produced by Curve

From those electric moments of discovery and connection to the dark hours of isolation, we all seek community and resolution. But sometimes what connects us is what we need to escape from.

Two sisters (Charlotte Bate & Polly Frame) are estranged and bicker over text. Their brittle and aggressive language is pushing them further apart when what they really want is to meet, clear the air and talk about the events that happened when they were young girls and haunt them still.

Josie (Chizzy Akudolu) is not allowing grief to get in the way. All of her focus is on what is best for her son, Manny (Caleb Roberts). She desperately wants him to fly but can she let him go?

There is a person shaped hole in Graham’s heart (Andrew Turner) and it is driving him to some dark places. When a stranger returns an act of kindness both find themselves opening up and connecting in a way that might just bring a bit of light in.

I Think We Are Alone is a bittersweet and funny take on our ache to connect with those voices we need to hear again, those arms we need to feel around us and those faces we need to see again. It is about letting go and holding on to what we love the most.

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The production is designed by Morgan Large - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat [London Palladium], Wonderland [Nottingham Playhouse] - with lighting by Paul Keogan - Lady Windermere's Fan [Vaudeville Theatre, London], The Plough and The Stars [Lyric Hammersmith/Abbey Theatre Dublin] - and sound design by Ella Wahlström - Peter Pan Goes Wrong [Apollo], Jellyfish [The Bush].

I Think We Are Alone is a Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth Production, co-produced with Curve. It premiered at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 5th February 2020. It was mid-way through a 15 week tour when the global COVID-19 pandemic forced theatres to shut. The last live performance was given on Saturday 14th 2020 at Theatre Royal Stratford East.

"Having been a fan of Frantic Assembly for many years I'm really looking forward to working with them as a co-director as it's something I've not done before. It's good to try new things when you're a groovy oldie." – Kathy Burke

"Our creative collaboration with Scott and Frantic Assembly has been one of the most fulfilling and enduring in TRP's history. After over 20 years of working together I Think We Are Alone is our 12th coproduction. We are enormously proud to be associated with the company." – Adrian Vinken OBE, Chief Executive, Theatre Royal Plymouth

"We're delighted to be working once again with the teams at Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth, having previously collaborated on Shakespeare's Othello in 2014. Sally Abbott, Kathy Burke and Scott Graham are a formidable team and we are excited to discover what they create together." – Chris Stafford, Chief Executive and Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director, Curve

Credits

Writer:
Sally Abbott
Directors:
Kathy Burke, Scott Graham
Set & Costume Design:
Morgan Large
Lighting Design:
Paul Keogan
Sound Design:
Ella Wahlström
Associate Director:
Jess Williams
Casting Director:
Will Burton CDG
Josie:
Chizzy Akudolu
Ange:
Charlotte Bate
Clare:
Polly Frame
Manny:
Caleb Roberts
Bex:
Simone Saunders
Graham:
Andrew Turner
Grandad:
Tarinn Callender

Cast

  • Chizzy Akudolu

    Josie
  • Charlotte Bate

    Ange
  • Polly Frame

    Clare
  • Caleb Roberts

    Manny
  • Simone Saunders

    Bex
  • Andrew Turner

    Graham