A new play about faith, shame and queerness
Cloudburst Productions Ltd, in association with Southwark Playhouse, today announces the world premiere of Nancy Netherwood’s Radiant Boy following its inclusion in the RSC’s 37 Plays competition in 2023.
North-East England, 1983. As a snowstorm rages outside, trainee singer Russell and his mother Maud await the arrival of a young priest who believes Russell is a victim of possession.
Winner of the RSC’s 37 plays competition, Radiant Boy is a new play about faith, shame and queerness and finding connection through art.
Júlia Levai directs Stuart Thompson and Renée Lamb in this brand-new play with music about faith, shame and queerness.
Nancy Netherwood said today, “I’m beyond thrilled to be bringing Radiant Boy to life with such an incredible team both onstage and off. The intimate space of ‘The Little’ auditorium is perfect for an intense, claustrophobic exorcism story – we can really crank up the tension and eeriness, but hopefully you’ll also feel part of Russell’s journey of queer self-acceptance. I can’t wait to fill the space with North East folk music and 80s New Wave!”.
With support from Arts Council England, the production will also recruit two trainee producers, offer shadowing opportunities for ten industry newcomers and host a series of wrap-around events, including captioned performances. More information on this will be released shortly.
Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD from 21 May – 14 June 2025. Times: Mon – Sat 7.30pm, 3pm Matinees Tue & Sat
Box Office: 020 7407 0234/ boxoffice@southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
