Pass the Parcel at the Royal Court Studio

The Royal Court Studio is set to host the premiere of a new play this month which puts women at the heart of the action – both on stage and off.

Sarah Whitehead’s debut full-length play Pass the Parcel opens on January 23 with an all-female cast and director.

Lilly Gray has passed away. She leaves behind three (mostly) loving daughters, a nice little hairdressers and a lot of untidy memories.

Lindsay is sorting out the funeral because, well, that’s what she does. Kelly’s too young, even though she’s 28, and Mona? Mona’s the eldest but unless it involves crystals, patchouli oil or an ascendant Mercury with a waning moon then she’s not interested.

They’ve gathered here today to listen to Lilly’s old CD player and tease out memories of times gone by. Layer after layer is unearthed until they find their present in the past.

The production stars Eithne Browne, Jessica May Buxton, Katie Erich and Hayley Sheen and is directed by Nicole Behan, co-artistic director of Paperwork Theatre. Design comes from Eleanor Ferguson.

Whitehead is a member of the Royal Court’s Stage Write programme for new and emerging writing talent, and her festive short A Christmas Lift was part of last month’s Stocking Fillers in the Studio.

She says: "I feel really lucky to have my work put on by the Royal Court; they care so much about their audience. The actors, director and production staff are so talented there. It's a privilege to see my first full-length play come to life there."

Pass the Parcel is at the Royal Court Studio from January 23 to February 8. Tickets HERE