The Well tells the tale of the digging of a deep industrial well. The deepest... in the world.
Here's some more about it.... (a dvd of highlights is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kL0DgGFoTM )
The Well
"In my dreams I'm digging. I'm always digging.
Digging my way in or digging my way out"
With vivid writing, energetic and risk-taking physical theatre, a live choir, a wonderfully dramatic set and stunning lighting, we've created an evocative and atmospheric world, touching on the archetypal, whilst grounded in themes of personal struggle, intimacy and love. ...A powerful visceral drama, set in Victorian times, about the fateful lives, loves and losses of those digging the world's deepest hand-dug well, a well that stretches down as deep as the Empire State Building is high (and that actually exists in England!)
It’s 1862 in Victorian Brighton, and Jack is digging the deepest ever well. But – no water. Despite Jack’s suspicions about this seemingly pointless exercise, and the ever-mounting expense, the Town Guardians order the digging to continue, to supply their planned workhouse.
But Jack is also digging for the truth about his mother Betsy, a prostitute who was found dead under the pier when he was a child. Now, in a relationship with Bella, another prostitute, he discovers too much; about those in power, and about Betsy...
Written and Directed by Jonathan Brown (Best Male Performer Nominee, Brighton Fringe, Associate Artist@Bridgwater Arts Centre, Member New Writing South)
Script Consultants: Award-winning playwright Anita Sullivan & Historian Peter Mercer.
Direction consultant: Award winning performer / director, Denise Evans
Supported by Brighton Vox Choir.
Supported by Brighton & Hove Libraries (including free taster events at Woodingdean Library)
The story of the world's deepest hand-dug well.
More information about the play / playwright at
http://www.jonathan-brown.co.uk/page32.htm
We need to fund:
* Purchase of Scaffold tower components (£300 approx)
* Purchase of specialist lights, cables & dimmer pack ( £500 )
* Purchase of trailer to transport tower components (& lights) (£350)
* Purchase of costume: (£200)
* Hire of unusual spaces: (£500)
* Contingency (£200)
Total Required: £2050
Reviews and Audience Feedback:
"Completely in awe at The Well: a poignant piece of recreated history, conveyed by an extraordinary group of actors and accompanied by the most alluring singing. In it the nitty-gritty of hardship, uncertainty and drama of real life mingle with the sublime power of dreams, hopes and the supernatural. Expect the unexpected in this highly original and deeply touching play. Unmissable!" Maria G. Montoya
"Can not recommend The Well enough!! Left speechless & moved. Great story & awesome cast, all should be very proud. Get your tickets today, you will not regret!" Lou Preecy
"The Well. Superb. A must-see for anyone who really loves not just theatre, but an intelligent and amazing story. Go and see it. Beautiful, thought and emotion provoking piece. An utter pleasure to be carried away by, complete with some fabulous performances and an extra layer from the choral singing which not only rooted us firmly in the era but the sense of sacred space too. A few scenes even resonated with the current political climate. It is too long since I've been challenged and moved like that and reminded of the things possible on stage which cannot be achieved on film". Arwen Matthews:
"This was my first experience of physical theatre. I found it a totally absorbing way to tell Jack's story. The group work was cohesive and strong. The character-sharing, in my opinion, made the whole piece flow with a vitality that would have been lost had each character been assigned to one person. The sense of a physical, enclosed depth created by the group, was impressive and convincing. I really felt I was working in a dry and dusty well shaft. Congratulations to the director and the whole cast.. For me, it was a brilliant piece of physical theatre. Barbara O'Keeffe
"Thoroughly enjoyed The Well tonight, particularly the vocal work which was atmospheric and richly evocative of water - a highly textured piece achieved purely through physical theatre - I'd forgotten how much a small cast, completely committed to exploring how far a body can go in shaping an alternate reality, can create a believable world and sustain it. Kudos to all concerned." Kay Sexton. (Local writer)
4 Stars “WEAVING fact with fiction, local writer, director and actor Jonathan Brown tells the story of digging a 1300ft well (in Southern England). It also relates Jack Tomkins’s search for the truth about his mother who died when he was a child – a search that uncovers corruption and lechery. This production is a powerful example of physical theatre. The cast play not only the characters, but also the scenery and props on a bare stage in front of an edifice of scaffolding and ladders. They achieve this with some spectacular imagery aided by creative lighting and haunting songs. The audience is required to play its part by using their imagination and accepting that more than one person plays the same character. A hardworking cast of seven balance the requirements of acting skills and exhausting physical activity while the production is enhanced by three acapella singers whose songs underline and punctuate the action. “ The Argus. Brighton.
"Dear Jonathan, I'm a regular theatre-goer and went for the first time last night to see The Well. It was truly uplifting and inspiring to see such commitment, humility and honesty from the whole cast. Fantastic and adventurous ideas, great script, wholly committed to ...and no "actory egos" to be seen. Thank you." Caroline Tyler
"I really enjoyed The Well, and have been telling all my friends. Here's what I liked about it: the clever use of people to represent scenery - a message of people being used as objects by the rich and powerful. Innovative and minimalist use of scenery - clever use of the ladders and scaffolding to show depth - the intelligent weaving in of strands of local history (I did not know that there was such a workhouse) - good acting and compelling performances - extraordinary sense of team - of us and them - but also very balletic, beautiful, well paced. Some amazing historical detail. I liked the mystical strand as well - the ancient water and so on. Established church vs pagan myth. Lots of interesting symbolism there. And it had a plot. Loved it." Vic Forte
Further review here: http://www.philmellows.com/PhilMellows_The%20Well.htm
