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1983

Sleeping Policemen

Written by Howard Brenton , Tunde Ikoli

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director 
Max Stafford-Clark

Co-production with Foco Novo

Dates Performed

Wednesday 9th November 1983
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs

Play Details

Synopsis

Peckham, South London, 1983. A vivid exploration of urban life through the intersecting stories of its diverse inhabitants.

Sleeping Policemen examines lives of six residents of Peckham, capturing the social and economic challenges they face.Set against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain, Sleeping Policemen uses the personal stories of its characters to paint a broader picture of societal struggles. Through its dynamic narrative, the play addresses themes of racial tension, economic disparity, and the quest for personal dignity amidst adversity. The characters’ interactions reveal the complexities of urban life and the multifaceted nature of their experiences, providing a rich, character-driven exploration of a community on the edge.

Brenton and Ikoli’s sharp, engaging dialogue and the play’s layered structure highlight the resilience and diversity of urban life.

Director(s)

Roland Rees

Poster credit

Poster courtesy of V&A Theatre and Performance Archive

Cast & Creative

Cast

Carrie Lee Baker

Cast

Trevor Butler

Cast

Craig Crosbie

Cast

Alfred Fagon

Cast

Mary Ellen Ray

Cast

Mary Ellen Ray

Cast

Ella Wilder

Cast

Castella Martin

Cast

Paul Stewart

Cast

Bert Bloggs

Cast

Lana Mcnally

Cast

Elizabeth Jones

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