A story of oppression and resilience.
Bad Lads tells the gripping and devastating true story of the boys held at Medomsley Youth Detention Centre in County Durham in the 1980s. Sold to the public as a “short, sharp shock” for wayward youth, the reality hid something much darker.
At a time when the cry for accountability is louder than ever, Bad Lads demands remembrance and calls for justice for these working-class men.
This production will feature Robin Paley Yorke as Younger Jackie and Danny Raynor as Older Jackie, alongside Performance Interpreter, Craig Painting.
A Graeae production in association with Live Theatre. A new play written by Mike Kenny, created from a story by Jimmy Coffey and the testimonies of the other Medomsley Boys. Directed by Jenny Sealey.
All shows will integrate British Sign Language (BSL), audio description, creative captions and presented in a relaxed environment.
Post show discussion: Thursday 16 October.
This performance will be shortly followed by a 20-minute discussion with Bad Lads director Jenny Sealey.
Contains strong language and references to the play and the true testimonies of its contributors.
BSL interpreted and held in a relaxed environment, with house lights up.
★★★★★
“Raynor and Yorke have deeply electric acting chemistry”
The Spy in the Stalls
★★★★
“Dares you not to look away”
The Stage
★★★★★
“Rarely does a play address atrocities in such a head-on way. The effect is earth-shattering…”
Northern Arts Review
Important information
Running time:
70 minutes
Age guideline:
16+
Post show talk Thu 16 Oct
Sensory notice & content warnings
Strong language, adult scenes, descriptions of physical assault and sexual assault, references to suicide, drug and alcohol misuse, loud music and noise.
Concession Information
Member Concession
Members (non-priority period)
5% off Price Band A on all performances
Members (priority period)
10% off Price Band A on all performances
Corporate Members
£4.00 off Price Band A on all performances
Groups & Schools Concession
Groups Concession (10-19)
£4.00 off Price Band A on all performances, +1 complimentary ticket for groups bookings of 20 or more. For 20+ tickets please email your requests to group.sales@theatreroyal.com
Schools Concession (10+)
£10.00 tickets on Price Band A–B on all performances, +1 complimentary teacher ticket for 10 pupils booked.
Multibuy Concession
Multibuy Members
3+ productions 15% off Price Band A on all performances.
5+ productions 25% off Price Band A on all performances.
Standard Multibuy (Non Members)
3+ productions 10% off Price Band A on all performances.
5+ productions 20% off Price Band A on all performances.
