Produced by Theatre Royal Stratford East, Graeae Theatre Company and The New Wolsey, Ipswich
22 October - 13 November
"Whoopingly defiant and joyful"
The Guardian
"The script contains tender, sentimental and amusing moments, which the strong cast handles with equal aplomb, but perhaps it is Dury's enduring songs and the pulsating performance of them that seems to matter most after all."
The Stage
"The commitment and passion shown by every member of the cast was faultless, the songs were performed brilliantly and the story was told in a sensitive and touching way. This is a show not to be missed, you will come out of the theatre full of joy and enthusiasm for life, as well as a greater appreciation for the power music has over us all." 5 stars, The Public Reviews
It's 1979. Ian Dury and the Blockheads' new single REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL (part 3) is climbing the charts. Labour has just lost the recent election to the Tories. Vinnie and his mates are big Ian Dury fans and they are desperate to see him at the Hammersmith Odeon but the gig is sold out. Vinnie will do anything to get tickets, but life is complicated. His dad is dying; the girl he loves is going out with his boss at the supermarket, and his own band never stops fighting. But the opportunity to get tickets for the gig arises and events take a surprising turn.
Set during a time of political change and economic hardship, Dury's songs provide a powerful political and emotional backdrop to this coming-of-age tale.
Find out more about the Reasons To Be Cheerful cast and band, enter our competition and follow some celebrity Reasons to be Cheerful here.
"Be aware: it's gleefully rude." 4 Stars The Sunday Times
"Blockheads...is irrestistible. Spasticus Autisticus is electrifying" The Times
"Dig out your Docs and go" 4 stars, Time Out
Better book now...
Written by Paul Sirett
Directed by Jenny Sealey
Musical Director Robert Hyman
Design by Gaelle Mellis
Lighting by Ian Scott
Sound by Lewis Gibson
Video by Mark Haig
Cast:
Nadia Albine as Janine, Stephen Collins as Colin, Stephen Lloyd as Vinnie, Daniel McGowan as Dave, Garry Robson as Bobby, Karen Spicer as Pat
Band:
Mat Fraser, Robert Hyman, John Kelly, Nixon Rosembert, Paul Sirett
