Present

Present

Written and directed by Ali Pritchard

Performed by Malcolm Shields

A high octane, energetic, festive show from an award-winning creative team, with an incredible soundtrack, that tells the story from an invisible community.

It’s the 23rd of December and Dave is preparing his Christmas tradition – to get blind drunk and dance the night away to the soundtrack in his head. The music helps him - it frees him, drowns out the voices and keeps him alone – well, avoided. He’s a dancing drunk to a soundless soundtrack, until the buzz from his phone stops the noise – bringing him back to the real world.

It’s a text that gives him the chance to create a new Christmas tradition and meet his grandson for the first time.

Present written and directed by Alphabetti Theatre’s founder and departing Artistic Director Ali Pritchard was first produced in December 2019, in partnership with Crisis Skylight Newcastle. This production sees some of the original creative team as well as welcoming some new North East creatives including a new design team and a new composer to reimagine this new production. Present tells the story of Dave’s struggle with addiction, homelessness, and the battle to buy a Christmas present.