NEWS: A Way Home @ Various Venues

In 1951, a third of villages in County Durham were classified as ‘D’, meaning they were no longer considered to be worthy of further investment, and were expected to quietly fade away over time without any resistance; they were the only areas in the country to be labelled as such. Yet, over the next quarter-century their communities fought to save the villages that 85,000 people called home. It’s this story that Christina Castling brings to life in her new production A Way Home.

Castling spent four years researching and working alongside people across the county to ensure authenticity and that their stories and perspectives were a central part of the production. Centring on the journey of a single family residing in one of the ‘D’ villages across the span of a year, A Way Home brings wit, grit and a distinctly human touch to its wider narrative surrounding identity and belonging. By bringing the production to a host of locations across the region throughout June, including both theatres and community centres, Castling illuminates the story of the ‘D’ villages and the true stories of their people 60 years since the pivotal town planning decision.

A Way Home premieres at Gala Theatre, Durham on Tuesday 7^th June, with performances taking place in village halls and community centres throughout the region, as well as at The Witham, Barnard Castle (Wednesday 8^th), Arts Centre Washington (Thursday 9^th) and Live Theatre, Newcastle (Thursday 23^rd-Friday 24^th). See the website for full listings.