Mercurius

Candlesticks

By Deborah Freeman

Controversial, topical, challenging, sometimes comical, always thought-provoking

Two households have been neighbours for years; the mothers - lifelong friends with frequently sparky disagreements; their children - childhood sweethearts.

But the Jewish daughter makes an astonishing announcement on the eve of Passover, while the gentile son next door sets out on his own voyage of discovery. How can their mothers cope (or not) with children who become so passionately committed to new beliefs that they may be lost to each other and to their families?

And the fifth character in this play? A pair of candlesticks.

The play received an Arts Council Writing Bursary in 1993 and was staged in London and Manchester.  In 2022 it is even more relevant and even more contentious than 30 years ago.

Reviews previously for CANDLESTICKS -

“This ingenious play wastes no words” Paul Vaughan (BBC’s Kaleidoscope)

“Knock down drama, strong characters!” Fringe Report

Reviews for previous Deborah Freeman plays –

SONG OF DEBORAH

“The characters are exceptionally well drawn” Really Useful Theatre “A thoughtful and powerful piece…well written and engaging” Jewish Chronicle

XANTHIPPE

“Powerful performances…it is great” South London Press

FIRE IN THE PARK

“A gripping and dramatic story” On In Salford

“A terrific piece of entertainment” Manchester Actors’ Company

Reviews for past Mercurius productions directed by Jenny Eastop -

**** “This revival deserves a longer life”

The Guardian THE BIOGRAPH GIRL

**** “Eastop’s production brims with charm”

The Observer THE BIOGRAPH GIRL

***** “Mercurius’ production is excellent”

Everything Theatre., THE ALCHEMIST

***** “Eastop’s production is warm and big hearted”

Broadway World, MR GILLIE

***** “Eastop has crafted a wondeful piece of theatre”

BritishTheatre.com INDEBTED TO CHANCE