NEWS: MAGNOLIA WALLS @ Northern Stage

Tyneside-based company Workie Ticket Theatre return to Northern Stage on Friday 24^th and Saturday 25^th June with their first production since the start of the pandemic.

Written by JoJo Kirtley, Magnolia Walls is based on research undertaken by Dr Alice Cree and Dr Hannah West of Newcastle University, and aims to challenge broadly-held stereotypes surrounding military spouses, while also exploring how home life and personal relationships are impacted by war.

Set in Northumberland, the Corinne Kilvington-directed play focuses on a blossoming friendship between two military wives, Roxie and Pen, who look to step out from the shadow of their husbands’ careers to shine, or rebel, in their own right.

Starring Rachel Brownstein and Alexandra Tahnée, alongside a specially pre-recorded ‘chorus’ performed by the loved ones of military personnel, Magnolia Walls brings together shared experiences from interviews, focus groups and theatre-based workshops to address themes of racism, suicide, domestic abuse and the trauma of war, all with a commitment to opening a discussion on the long-term consequences of conflict and service on families associated with the armed forces.

Newcastle University will also be hosting a Q&A session to accompany Friday’s performance of the play.

Magnolia Walls is performed at Northern Stage, Newcastle on Friday 24^th and Saturday 25^th June.