A Derby Theatre Commission

BOND, BRASS, BUDGIES AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH

A series of audio stories written by Andy Barrett

Fri 13 Sep, 2024 – Fri 12 Sep, 2025

A collection of four audio stories, recorded by local actors, that tell of the ways in which our people, places and culture have been shaped by, and stand up to, the social and economic forces that continue to challenge us all.

Midlands-based playwright Andy Barrett has been out and about in towns and villages across Derbyshire, meeting brass band members, budgie enthusiasts, dance teachers, cinema usherettes and those who work tirelessly to nurture the idea of community. Fuelled by a hundred cups of tea, this is a journey into the heart and soul of our region.

BOND | Performed by Neal Craig

BRASS | Performed by Hilary Greatorex

BUDGIES | Performed by Adam Horvath

BUTTERNUT SQUASH | Performed by AK Golding

Venue

Online

Cast

Neal Craig

AK Golding

Hilary Greatorex

Adam Horvath

Creatives

Commissioned by

Derby Theatre

Written by

Andy Barrett

Directed by

Sarah Brigham

Produced by

Stuart Allen

Andy Barrett | Writer

Andy Barrett has written over fifty plays for radio and stage; including Dolly, a cloning meets country and western musical, which the Times selected as one of their top five shows of 2010; Tony’s Last Tape, based on the Benn diaries, which was performed at the House of Commons, Garage Band, a play about punk rock and midlife crises for the Nottingham Playhouse, and Skybus which took place on board a bus to East Midlands Airport and back. His theatre company Excavate has worked with thousands of local people to produce plays about their histories, culture, stories and identity, as well as travelling to India to produce community plays in bastis and clinics. His most recent play for BBC Radio Four, Barbeque 67, starring Robert Glenister and featuring Nick Mason, is currently available on the BBC iPlayer.