Interviews

Five Reasons to See … Shiverman at Theatre503

Editorial Staff
Off-West End

Following the success of Madagascar in 2010, Theatre503 and Primavera have reunited to present the world premiere of Shiverman, by American playwright James Sheldon, which opens this week (3 May, previews from 1 May). Here, the company gives us five reasons to go along… 

1. Shiverman is set on a tiny Pacific island among a remote tribe, the Okoku, whose future is in peril. There are ancient flutes, wild boars, and snakes. If you’re tired of watching plays set in London and New York flats, this is a wildly atmospheric alternative that sweeps you off to a place you’ve never been.

2. It’s a story for our times about how the West relates to the developing world. If you find something you think of as ugly, can you stand back and ignore it? Or should you get involved? Writer James Sheldon was an anthropologist and the play comes out of his own experiences. Come and be provoked.

3. James Sheldon’s writing is beautiful and lyrical – and it’s a big play about big issues. You won’t see it on the TV. This is pure theatre: magical and intoxicating.

4. Primavera has a track-record of brilliant casting and this production is no exception. Fisayo Akinade and Ben Cawley are newcomers who will knock your socks off. Lisa Kay, Paul Mooney and Eleanor Wyld are actors you may know already, but excel themselves in Shiverman.

5. It’s at the brilliant and welcoming Theatre503, one of the country’s best venues for new writing – they won the Olivier for Best New Play with The Mountaintop. If you haven’t been before you need to get down there – it’s a short walk from Clapham Junction and then there’s a lovely pub doing great food for a bite to eat before the show or a drink afterwards.