The Glasshouse

Grindstone presents the world premiere of
THE GLASSHOUSE
by Max Saunders-Singer. Directed by Sebastien Blanc.
Tristan Bates Theatre, 28 Oct – 22 Nov 2014.

Confined in a cramped, makeshift prison on the back line of the Somme, two men stand charged with cowardice and desertion. Trapped inside the damp, cold and oppressive walls of this ‘Glasshouse’, a beautiful friendship crystallizes between them. But how long can friendship last? And how much can a man withstand before he breaks?

In the 100th anniversary year of the outbreak of World War I, acclaimed emerging company Grindstone presents the world premiere of Max Saunders-Singer’s emotional new drama THE GLASSHOUSE. Based on extensive research into true stories of soldiers on the front lines, this powerful new work explores a rarely seen side of trench warfare.

Following the intertwined stories of the misfits, idealists and tragic victims who pass through this hastily constructed trench prison cell, THE GLASSHOUSE is a moving, blood-pumping and powerfully original new play. Through these stories, it also shines a stark new light on the effects of 'Shell Shock' and failures in the treatment of so called 'Cowards' and 'Conchies' who were unable or refused to fight.

Directed by Sebastien Blanc, the production will be vividly staged in a claustrophobic, immersive style in the intimate Tristan Bates Theatre. Sebastian’s previous credits include his acclaimed revival of Howard Korder's Boy's Life, which transferred to the Kings Head Theatre in 2013 following a hit run at the Etcetera Theatre and MOJO at The White Bear which garnered over six 5 star reviews and an Off West End Award nomination.

Playwright Max Saunders-Singer’s last play 500 Miles was a triumph at Edinburgh festival and was awarded three NSDF commendations for writing from NSDF. GLASSHOUSE marks his much anticipated writing return, due to more than fulfil that promise.

The show is produced by acclaimed emerging company Grindstone, who enjoyed a runaway success last year with the world premiere of new musical RIP by Sonnie Beckett and Joe Morrow, which enjoyed a sell-out run an rave reviews, and is now planning a transfer for 2015.

‘Impressive and destined for great things’ - OneStopArts on Grindstone’s RIP (Kings Head).

‘Mojo is a knockout of a show…see it or regret it.’ – What’sOnStage on Sebastien Blanc’s Mojo.