The Luminous
3 women. A book. One unforgettable night.
No play has moved me so much this year’ The Stage on 1 Beach Road
Part Victorian thriller, part contemporary tale of friendship and rebellion, this time-travelling, genre-busting new show combines RedCape Theatre’s unique blend of physical theatre, dark comedy and gripping storytelling.
As protestors gather outside the hospital where they work, three women meet up for a monthly book club. This month’s book is ‘Luminous’ – a dark delve into Victorian London, where lurid stories are brought to life for entertainment in the penny gaff theatres: tales of an anonymous killer haunting the city and women whose bones glow through their skin.
In the twenty-first century living room, the wine is flowing and the discussion is getting heated. Mighty thinks the book is outrageous, Mags thinks it’s the best thing she’s ever read, and Alice hasn’t got past page three. As the women get drawn deeper into the story, memories surface, unexpected connections are made, and the worlds begin to blur.
Funded by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant.
Commissioned by Corn Exchange Newbury with support from South Street Arts, Proteus Theatre and University of Exeter.
Age Recommendation: 14+ | Running Time: 90mins
Content Warnings: This production explores sensitive themes of violence against women (physical and sexual), abortion, illness and grief, and includes scenes that some audience members may find upsetting. It contains references to childbirth, self-immolation and nuclear warfare. It also contains strong language, ableist and misogynistic language and an abstract depiction of an autopsy.