15th February 2018 7PM
“As a company, Write On Tap aim to make work that is culturally aware and politically relevant” writes producer Becci Sharrock of Bankers.
Ten years after the Northern Rock collapse this theatre production, written by 4 emerging North East playwrights, looks at the issues, the aftermath (including the ever increasing usage of food banks), and even the possibilities beyond the present day.
The theatre was packed (some people had to stand it was so well attended) as the show began. For research and inspiration, they had spoken to food bank volunteers and clients, ex Northern Rock employees and academics - some of whose words could be heard playing through the speakers. Statistics, both informative and more tongue in cheek, were displayed on a screen behind. This changed and updated throughout the different scenes.
The four stories performed by local actors, ranged from an unapologetic banker looking to expand on his social portfolio, a couple caught in the crisis when Northern Rock crumbled, to 2 families' first hand experience of food banks. They gave an informative and entertaining look at one of today's very current and real facts of life. I found it very interesting and informative and whilst certainly the subject matter is a serious one, it was written and told in a realistic and believable way, that got the message across without being patronising or preachy in any way. There was lots of topical humour interspersed throughout.
I found this a great balance of telling a story and giving information.
Alongside the show Write On Tap are also running a special campaign in partnership with Alphabetti Theatre and Newcastle’s West End Foodbank, encouraging audiences to support the foodbank. It aims to fill Alphabetti’s lift with donations from Tuesday 13th February to Saturday 24th February. Donations can be dropped off during the theatre's opening times.
The following items are requested for donation *tea bags *instant coffee *sugar (500g) *cereal *pasta *milk (UHT or powdered) *fruit juice (long life) *tinned tomatoes *tinned vegetables *tinned fish *biscuits/snacks *tinned rice pudding *rice *tinned fruit
Alternatively if you wish to make a financial donation via a regular direct debit go to https://newcastlewestend.foodbank.org.uk/give-help
Belinda Bekki-Winter
Bankers showed for two nights on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th February at 7.00pm as Pay What You Feel shows. Hopefully people felt a lot.
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