‘Playing Ellen Wilkinson, the “thumb-sized” Manchester-born MP who rose from prewar activism to postwar minister of education, Jones is a theatrical life force. The centre of attention throughout a three-hour production, she is rooted and calm, commanding without grandstanding. She captures the enthusiasm and contradictions of a politician who, as Bird presents her, put the fight against injustice ahead of friends, lovers and her own wellbeing.’ Guardian ****
‘Although often moving and not afraid to tackle big subjects, Wils Wilson’s deft direction lets the humour and playfulness shine without ever diluting the seriousness of its subject.
Facilitated by Camilla Clarke’s clever set, one scene is set up as another is still in progress, actors are robed up as characters as they wait their turn to speak, and Jones regularly ends her current scene dressing for the next.
Spinning like a gyroscope at the heart of the show, Jones is simply phenomenal. Barely off stage and rarely silent, she never lets the breakneck pace impact the nuance of her character. Her Ellen is a myriad of things, many of them conflicting – deeply caring, but capable of cruelty in her thoughtlessness, clever but occasionally naïve – and Jones’ powerhouse performance does justice to every aspect of this compelling and complicated woman.’ The Stage****
The Times****
‘You’d go a long way to beat Wils Wilson’s production of Caroline Bird’s new play about the legendary North East politician and heroine of the Jarrow March, Ellen Wilkinson. Wilson stamps her own individual style on each scene.’ British Theatre Guide
Director - Wils Wilson
Designer - Camilla Clarke
Music and Sound - Jasmin Kent Rodgman
Lighting - Kai Fischer
Movement - Patricia Suarez
Intimacy co-ordinator - Vanessa Coffey
Fight Direction - Kaitlin Howard
Dramaturgy - Kate Leys
Cast: Mercedes Assad, Sandy Bachelor, Laura Evelyn, Bettrys Jones, Helen Katamba, Jim Kitson, Kevin Lennon
Cover: Eilidh Talman
Photography: Pamela Raith