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The Doncastrian Chalk Circle

CAST and the National Theatre joined forces with Doncaster for this epic community musical, featuring over 100 local performers, alongside a professional company and live band.

An adult hand clasping a younger hand and the title 'The Doncastrian Chalk Circle' in white lettering underneath.

Booking and details

27 — 29 August 2022
This show has now ended
The event location is

Cast

Cast, Waterdale, Sir Nigel Gresley Square, Doncaster DN1 3BU, UK

A heartrending and gripping tale of the families we choose.

Following triumphant performances of Pericles at the National Theatre in summer 2018 and As You Like It at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in 2019, the next Public Acts production, a musical adaptation of Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle, was performed in Doncaster in 2022.

In a divided community, our reluctant hero, Grusha, risks everything to rescue an abandoned baby and raise him as her own. When the child’s aristocratic mother returns to claim him, a rogue judge devices a unique test to determine their fate.

This new version of Brecht’s classic, directed by James Blakey, is filled with passion, hope, and plenty of Yorkshire grit and humour. A heartrending and gripping tale of the families we choose.

Performed 27 — 29 August 2022 in the Cast, Doncaster.

Partners

Public Acts is the National Theatre’s initiative to create extraordinary acts of theatre and community. Public Acts is inspired by Public Works, the Public Theater’s ground-breaking programme in New York.

Partners

b:friend, Cast Young Company, Changing Lives, darts and Creative Directions, Doncaster Conversation Club, Edlington Community Organisation (ECO) and Right Up Our Street.

Theatre partner

CAST, Doncaster

 

Production team

Chris Bush

Chris Bush

Writer

Ruth Chan

Ruth Chan

Composer

James Blakey

James Blakey

Director

Hannah Sibai

Hannah Sibai

Set and Costume Designer

Gary Clarke

Gary Clarke

Choreographer

Tarek Merchant

Tarek Merchant

Musical Director

Josh Sood

Josh Sood

Musical Director

Jennifer Green

Jennifer Green

Music Arranger and Orchestrator

Katherine Williams

Lighting Designer

Ed Clarke

Ed Clarke

Sound Designer

Sally Proctor

Sally Proctor

Assistant Director

Jon Beney

Jon Beney

Associate Choreographer

Gallery

Actor Daisy Ann Fletcher in the dock being questioned by actor John Partridge, dressed as a judge wearing an all-sequin outfit.
Actor Daisy Ann Fletcher in the dock being questioned by actor John Partridge, dressed as a judge wearing an all-sequin outfit.
Actor Daisy Ann Fletcher in the dock being questioned by actor John Partridge, dressed as a judge wearing an all-sequin outfit.
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A group of people onstage with their fists in the air, holding signs that read 'Grusinia is ours' and 'Reclaim your Pride.' In the foreground, a woman dressed in a tiara and turquoise dress speaking. In the background, a woman holding a baby and a man dressed as a palace guard. A group of performers onstage, dressed in sequin outfits, singing with a big sign saying 'JUSTICE' hanging above them. A large group of people onstage singing with their arms outstretched with garlands and bunting hung above them. Actor Beth Hinton-Lever dressed as a palace guard looking at fellow actor, Daisy Ann Fletcher, dressed in a hat and apron. Actor Benjamin Armstrong dressed in a suit, playing the saxophone, whilst people are gathered behind him. A production image from 'The Doncastrian Chalk Circle' featuring someone sat on a high chair singing and someone on the ground looking up at them, also singing.

Production gallery

The actor John Partridge singing into a microphone with members of the company for The Doncastrian Chalk Circle
The actor John Partridge singing into a microphone with members of the company for The Doncastrian Chalk Circle
The actor John Partridge singing into a microphone with members of the company for The Doncastrian Chalk Circle
View 7 images
A group of people rehearsing a group dance number on stage. The actor John Partridge singing in the centre of a group of people crouched down and standing around him. The actor John Partridge surrounded by six members of the company standing in a V formation with one arm raised. A woman holding a puppet baby crouching down and talking to a group of three children. The director James Blakey in a blue polo shirt and glasses during rehearsals for The Doncastrian Chalk Circle. A group of people dancing during a rehearsal, being led by a facilitator in the right of the picture with a microphone

Rehearsal gallery

The words 'The Doncastrian Chalk Circle' adapted by Chris Bush, music by Ruth Chain - a Public Acts production in white lettering
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Public Acts – The Doncastrian Chalk Circle

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Press

… it’s good to see Public Acts genuinely creating a more level playing field…

The Stage

… the sheer spectacle of “the people” owning the stage (a logistical feat by director James Blakey) is potent, radical and arguably Brechtian.

The Telegraph

A real hidden gem that deserves every success.

The Reviews Hub

3 reviews

Media

A close-up shot of a woman
Play Video

‘A huge extended family!’
Making Theatre with Communities
Public Acts: A Story of Hope

Play Video
Two people smiling with their eyes closed and their chins raised to the sky, members of the company in the background.

‘Eclectic range’ of first-timers come together in Doncaster Brecht update

The Guardian

‘Eclectic range’ of first-timers come together in Doncaster Brecht update

Our funders

Theatre Nation Partnerships is generously supported by Arts Council England’s Strategic Touring Fund and Garfield Weston Foundation.

Public Acts is supported by Arts Council England’s Strategic Touring Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The CareTech Charitable Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Mosawi Foundation, The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and Susan Miller and Byron Grote.

Find out more about supporting our work