nabokov and the Bush Theatre,
in association with Watford Palace Theatre and Mercury Theatre Colchester present

2nd May 1997 by Jack Thorne

2nd May 1997. An historic victory. The Tories, 18 years in power, are defeated as New Labour sweeps into government. From the euphoria and despair, three deeply personal stories emerge.

Tory MP Robert prepares to attend the count. With defeat looming large, he fears becoming a forgotten man while his wife Marie counts the cost of her own sacrifice to politics.  Lib Dem footsoldier Ian is no hero but party-crasher Sarah is determined to make him one.  Best mates Jake and Will wake up to a new world order and try to memorise the cabinet before their politics A Level class.  Jake dreams of Number 10.  Will dreams of Jake.

A smouldering new play from one of Britain's most exciting young writers about escaping the past, seizing the present and owning the future.

Jack Thorne's plays include BURYING YOUR BROTHER IN THE PAVEMENT (NT Connections), WHEN YOU CURE ME (Bush), FANNY AND FAGGOTT (Finborough and West End) and STACEY (Arcola and West End). His writing for television includes SKINS, SHAMELESS and THE SPASTIC KING. His first feature film - THE SCOUTING BOOK FOR BOYS - was shot in September 2008.

"One of the year's finest pieces of new writing"
Evening Standard on When You Cure Me

"A phenomenally moving portrait of all the hopes, doubts, burdens and frustrations implied in the four bare words of its title."
Financial Times on When You Cure Me

2nd May 1997 on Tour
9 September - 10 October 2009  The Bush Theatre, London
20 - 21 October  Watford Palace Theatre
22 - 24 October  The Mercury Theatre, Colchester
27 - 31 October  Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester


The Company
Directed by George Perrin
Designed by Hannah Clark
Lighting Design by Philip Gladwell
Sound Design by Emma Laxton
Movement Direction by Kate Sagovsky
Cast: James Barrett, Geoffrey Beevers, Linda Broughton, Jamie Samuel, Hugh Skinner, Phoebe Waller-Bridge

About our partners at the Bush Theatre
The Bush is an internationally renowned new writing theatre. Since its opening thirty seven years ago it has produced hundreds of groundbreaking premieres, and pursued its singular vision of discovery, risk and entertainment from its home in Shepherds Bush. Our rich history has premiered plays by Samuel Adamson, David Eldridge and Catherine Johnson. Recent productions include The Contingency Plan by Steve Waters and Apologia by Alexi Kaye Campbell.


Supported by Arts Council England, East through the Grants for the Arts programme