Useful Idiots written and directed by Robert Meadows

15/07/24

To be performed in the Salisbury Studio

When Professor Ella White rescues one of her students from a street attack and takes him to the city flat that she shares with her daughter, Daisy, and older partner, Graeme, an installation artist, she opens them all to unexpected dangers when a female investigator arrive with more than questions on her mind.

 

This new 70-minute play, set in a near future where turmoil and violence has hit the cityscape of the north, explores how some with the best intentions have left open the door to extremism and intolerance. It is a tense drama that hopes to involve the audience in thinking about current issues in ways that might engage and provoke.

Characters

Professor Ella White. 

A university vice chancellor in her late forties/early fifties, specialising in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Single minded and forthright. A spokeswoman for upholding the rights of minorities. Often on ‘Question Time’ to appeal to the left of the political spectrum. Has had many marriages and relationships during her lifetime.

Daisy

Ella’s daughter in her twenties. She has inherited many of her mother’s characteristics but also harbours resentment, rooted in feelings of rejection. Currently rootless and without any sense of direction. Find comfort in alcohol and ‘being difficult’ and cynical.

Graeme Southern

Ella’s current partner and an artist; in his mid-sixties. A kind soul. Unassuming. He has had a career as an installation artist, drawing on Arts Council grants to create artefacts; like the poppies that were created for the 1914 commemoration. He dotes on Ella.

Kayleigh Evans

An enigmatic figure who visits the flat. In her late thirties/early forties, she has the manner of an investigator. There is a ruthless edge to her; she would think nothing of protecting those she loves in the most extreme and violent ways.  

 Reading: Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 7.30 pm

Auditions: Thursday 27 March 3035 at 7.30 pm

Performance dates:  Thursday 5, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June 2025 at 7.30 pm