The Big House presents world premiere of ‘Bullet Tongue’

Performed by and made with young people from Islington, the immersive Bullet Tongue depicts life on a London estate. This site-specific piece takes place in a long-disused frame factory in Islington, and opens on 16 November, with previews from 14 November and runs until 8 December.

Bullet Tongue focuses on county lines, where criminal gangs have set up a drug-dealing operation in a place outside their usual operating area.

The play is directed by Maggie Norris who is Artistic Director and CEO of The Big House.

The Artiscape spoke to Andrew Day, the Writer in Residence for The Big House, whose past writing credits for the company include Phoenix, Babylon, Electric and Phoenix Rising.

The themes of the play emerge from issues affecting the young cast. Writers Sonya Hale and Andy Day worked with these young people to develop the script of Bullet Tongue. The result is an authentic piece of theatre that truly reflects the reality of what is happening out there.

Asked about his work with the big house, Andy says;

“I gather material from workshops and conversations as well as group and individual discussions. There is a lot of common experience in the young people, although there are also some very different and surprising voices that sometimes can be incorporated.” Andy’s task is then “to come up with a single narrative that can unify that material.”

The Big House is a charity which enables care leavers and at risk young people to fulfil their potential through drama, wraparound support and longterm mentoring

I asked Andy, what he felt these young people get from The Big House?

“The young people can feel a great sense of ownership of the play if they get to influence it and also if they recognise that the play depicts events and ideas typical of their lives and backgrounds” explains Andy.

“Maggie Norris, (Artistic Director and CEO of The Big House) could say more about what they get from the production process but it’s very gratifying when we get it right and the young actor erupts into the character they’ve been given.”

In bringing the play together, Andy explains “The challenge is to create good meaty parts for up to 15 actors without letting the play get very long!”

Another challenge he found was in representing the darker issues addressed in the piece. “We need it to be authentic but not to make the audience disgusted or miserable” he explains. “I hope we’ve hit the right balance and there are redemptive notes in the play.” They also try to show in the play “that individuals in the media are under pressure, not vultures with no humanity”.

What will an audience take away from the piece?

“Maggie and I always have one priority: an exhilarating night in the theatre from start to finish. Boredom is unforgivable” says Andy.  “The audience will get some insights too,” he hopes, “but we never let that be a justification for letting the pace slack!”

Developed with and performed by a group of young people at risk of social exclusion Bullet Proof opens on 16 November, with previews from 14 November and runs until 8 December.