The Political History of Smack & Crack by Ed Edwards
Way back in January 2020 we invited Ali Michael to write a guest blog about the remarkable play, The Political History of Smack & Crack. Two and a half years later, having weathered lockdowns and plague days, we are pleased to be able to share the news that the play is back on the road and will be performed in Manchester and London in June/July 2022. Please go and see this remarkable piece of theatre that is close to our heart.
Marking 41 years since the civil disturbances in Moss Side in 1981, The Political History of Smack and Crack is returning to perform in London and Manchester in June and July.
Inspired by the playwright’s own experience in jail and rehab, it chronicles the fallout for communities crushed by the heroin epidemic at the height of Thatcherism. Starring Neil Bell and Eve Steele, it is sharp and tender play tracing a twisted love story between two life-long addicts from the epicentre of the Moss Side uprisings in 1981 to their present-day survival on the streets of Manchester.
Playing at Riverside Studios in London this June, before being performed only a stone’s throw from the spot where the people of Moss Side fought back 41 years ago in July at the historic Hulme Playhouse Theatre (now known as NIAMOS).
Links:
LDN https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/the-political-history-of-smack-crack-30039/
MANC https://www.tickettailor.com/events/smackandcrack/698437/
“Exceptional… riotously entertaining and deeply moving”
★★★★★ The Stage
"Not since Trainspotting has addiction been so entertaining"
★★★★ Independent, Lyn Gardner
"a powerful show which demonstrates the resilience of human beings and bristles with a necessary rage."
★★★★ The Skinny
“As a love story it’s unexpectedly tender; as a social history it is shockingly dark: as a piece of theatre, it is excellent.”
★★★★ The Scotsman
