By Grace Hatchell
Sometimes theatre has the power to entertain. Sometimes it starts conversations. And every now and then it manages to do both at the same time.
That’s exactly what Bright Places looks set to achieve as Carbon Theatre takes its critically acclaimed production on a UK tour this autumn. Inspired by writer Rae Mainwaring’s own experience of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of just 23, this isn’t a story designed to make you feel sorry for anyone. It’s about life carrying on – messy, funny, frustrating and, above all, hopeful.
Now, I’ll admit it… when you hear a play tackling chronic illness, you might expect something rather heavy. But Bright Places seems determined to flip those expectations on their head. Throw in an early noughties pop soundtrack, three actors arguing over the best way to tell the story and a healthy dose of dark humour, and suddenly you’ve got something that feels far more like a celebration of resilience than a lecture. Frankly, I’m all for that.
What particularly caught my eye is Rae’s determination to challenge the way people with MS are represented. Rather than reducing a diagnosis to tragedy, Bright Places explores all the contradictions that come with it – wanting to grab life with both hands while quietly wrestling with fear and self-doubt. It sounds honest without ever forgetting to be entertaining, which is often where the most memorable theatre lives.
Rae has spoken about how audiences on the previous tour thanked her for helping them feel seen, while others found the play gave them the language to talk about illness with friends and family. Those are the kinds of reactions every playwright dreams of, and they say far more than any five-star quote ever could.
The production stars Lauren Foster, Aimee Berwick and Rebecca Holmes, with Jo Gleave directing, and tours the UK between 26 September and 31 October, calling at Nottingham, Southport, Coventry, Chelmsford, Wolverhampton, Ipswich, Hull, Bedford and Manchester.
At 75 minutes, Bright Places sounds like one of those productions that quietly sneaks up on you. You’ll probably laugh more than you expected, maybe shed a tear, and almost certainly leave with a different perspective.
That’s the beauty of theatre, isn’t it?
Tour Dates
26th September Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus, Nottingham, NG1 5AF
30th September The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1DB
2nd October Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Corporation Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 1GS
8th October Chelmsford Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG
https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/events/bright-places
10th October Arena Theatre, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE
https://wlv.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows
20th October New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2AS
22nd October – 23rd October Hull Truck Theatre, 50 Ferensway, Hull, HU2 8LB
https://www.hulltruck.co.uk/whats-on/drama/bright-places
27th October The Place, Bradgate Road, Bedford, MK40 3DE
29th October – 31st October HOME Manchester, 2 Tony Wilson Place, First Street, Manchester, M15 4FN
https://www.homemcr.org/whats-on/bright-places-zp85
Running Time 75 minutes
Guidance 12+ The production contains swearing, strobes and flashing lights. Many references to illness (specifically MS) to medical procedures and to disability and ableism as well as moments of distress and upset.
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