And Then Come The Nightjars
Winner of the Theatre503 Playwriting Award 2014
& Finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize 2016
“beautifully observed…intensely funny…a small gem of a play”★★★★ – The Telegraph“a savagely funny and sad play directed with real delicacy…a right little cracker”★★★★ – The Guardian“a finely observed portrait of male friendship [and]… a stirring requiem for rural England.”★★★★ – Evening Standard“a hymn to a vanishing world…a tender account of male friendship.”★★★★ – The Stage“tender, beautifully balanced writing…heartbreaking.”★★★★ – Time Out“Between Grand Designs and new branches of Tesco, a little bit of country life has died, and Roberts writes its obituary with striking sincerity, humour and integrity.”– Alex Sierz.
As the devastating Foot and Mouth disease epidemic of 2001 rips through the English countryside Michael’s farm becomes a battleground as his business, his heritage and his friendship with local vet Jeff come under intense threat. Ten years on and the battle scars are as evident on the landscape as they are on their relationship.
Directed by Paul Robinson, designed by Max Dorey with lighting design by Sally Ferguson, original music by Olly Fox and sound design by Max Perryment.
We were delighted to be joined by David Fielder and Nigel Hastings in the roles of Michael and Jeff for the 2016 tour. Sadly, David Fielder is unable to reprise his role for the 2017 tour due to other work commitments.
Now touring, April 2017:
3rd – 6th April: Keswick, Theatre by the Lake
Tue 11th: Byre Theatre of St Andrews
Wed 12th: Eastgate Arts, Peebles
Thur 13th: MacArts, Galashiels
19th – 20th: The Barn at Inchyra
Fri 21st: Blair Atholl VIllage Hall
Sat 22nd: Aberfeldy Village Hall
26th – 27th: Birnam Arts Centre
Fri 28th: Blairgowrie town hall
Sat 29th: Strathearn Arts Space, Crieff
And Then Come The Nightjars was originally a co-production from Theatre503 and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre supported by the Richard Carne Trust, the London Community Foundation and Cockayne – Grants for the Arts. The 206 tour was presented by Theatre503 and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre in association with Tara Finney productions. The 2017 tour is additionally presented by Perth Theatre in partnership with Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.
And Then Come The Nightjars is published by Nick Hern Books and available on Amazon
As the devastating Foot and Mouth disease epidemic of 2001 rips through the English countryside Michael’s farm becomes a battleground as his business, his heritage and his friendship with local vet Jeff come under intense threat.
