THE ROYAL DUCHESS SUPERSTORE by Jonny O’Neill
The play charts the collision between the old east end and new with tragic consequences. Terry ex firm enforcer on his return from prison after an 11 year stretch finds his associates, friends and family have moved on and his manor is unrecognisable epitomized by transformation of his local boozer in to a corner shop. This punchy play with its authentic voice, humour and pathos is a modern tale of old East End wide boys and new school Banga boy hustlers.
“…social comments that were portrayed in the piece were very relevant. A changing Britain with some people not willing to change with it. I like theatre when it makes you think and this play did that.”Sadie Frost – Hapers Bazzar
“Directed by Karena Johnson, The Royal Duchess Superstore is one to watch, particularly if you enjoy a somewhat gritty drama with lashings of London life and some hefty social questions thrown into the mix. Johnson has guided the cast of four through O’Neill’s drama well, in an overall interesting theatrical experience. The use of music, designed by Andrew Williams, coupled with Prema Mehta’s lighting design, really helps to enhance the different settings and smooth over the scene changes, adding atmosphere too. The set designed by Susannah Henry cleverly and efficiently conveys the different settings, enabling the characters to inhabit their environments fully. The Royal Duchess Superstore deserves an audience and functions to open us all up to how we really see people, as well as London itself – and also how any place evolves over time; leaving some people behind but more often than not, collecting lots more people along the way.” Emily Jones – Bargin Theatre Land