Bristol's most iconic nightclub has reopened its doors in The Dug Out, a brand new play commissioned by Splice.
In the 70s and 80s, The Dug Out was a safe haven for young people united by music in a racially and socially divided city. Written by Amanda Whittington, the play is inspired by the club's huge impact on the city's cultural life. The Dug Out was given a rehearsed reading with music and dance at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre on October 1st, 2010. The play surprised and delighted the invited audience, some of whom were former Dug Out regulars.
"Fabulous storytelling. Clear. Lovely parallels".
"The intense and loyal friendships were very well-played."
"Good music, humour and characters. Loved the last scene and ending."
"The reveal sent a shiver down my spine".
"Not only an excellent story to connect with a local audience but one worthwhile to go further".
"I would love to see a fully-produced version".
The Dug Out takes place in two co-existing time zones: December 1974, when an IRA bomb explodes on Park Street and July 1944, when black GIs fight Military Police in the city centre. Music and dance are key elements in fusing the eras. Early 1970’s funk, reggae and ska mix with 1940’s black American dance music to create an exciting, original soundtrack.
Directed by Kath Rogers, the reading was performed by Louise Howells, April Pearson, Natasha Pring, Antonia Kinlay, Ike Hamilton, Lloyd Everitt, Adetomiwa Edun and Bob Gwilym. Choreography was by Oscar Anderson (The Floor Technicians) and the DJ was Krissy Kriss.
The Dug Out is supported by Arts Council England and the Peggy Ramsay Foundation. The play is currently under consideration by several theatres and we are working towards a full co-production.
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