The Children's Hour at the Royal Exchange Theatre until 5th April

The new season at The Royal Exchange opens with The Children's Hour.

 

Lillian Hellman’s controversial drama uncovers prejudice and paranoia within in a small-town American community when a spiteful pupil accuses her teachers of an illicit affair. The effects of this gossip then reverberate throughout the school, affecting the lives of everyone involved.

Maxine Peake - whose TV credits include Shameless and Dinnerladies, and who was last seen at the Royal Exchange in Rutherford and Son – plays teacher Karen Wright, alongside Charlotte Emerson as fellow teacher Martha Dobie. Charlotte's resume includes such television fare as Foyle's War, Vincent and Midsomer Murders. Her last appearence at the Royal Exchange was in Great Expectations.

Written in 1934 and sporting themes that were far ahead of its time, this is a play of intense drama and passion that may also be familiar as a Hollywood movie from 1961 that starred Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine and James Garner. Recently apponted Royal Exchange Associate Artistic Director, Sarah Frankcom directs the play.