Trafalgar Studios | until Saturday 19th March 2016
Firebird
by Phil Davies
‘Hampstead Downstairs at the Trafalgar Studios’ continues with Phil Davies’ debut play Firebird,
Phil Davies’ debut play Firebird, directed by Hampstead’s Artistic Director Edward Hall, will open at the Trafalgar Studios in the New Year. This searing new thriller movingly illustrates how easily young people are exploited and used.
Tia’s mouthy attitude and confident swagger hide a vulnerable teenager whose tough start in life dangerously draws her to AJ. Older, good-looking and charismatic, AJ shows her a kindness she’s never known before. But this kindness comes at a price.
Responding to nationwide cases of child sexual exploitation throughout Britain, including those in Davies’ hometown of Rochdale, Firebird shows how easy it can be for vulnerable young people to fall victim to sexual abuse. The play powerfully dramatises how the innocent are all too often failed by the authorities who are meant to protect them.
Firebird is a story of hope – unfortunately based on truth.
“When we first saw Firebird at Hampstead Downstairs, we were bowled over. Its power to highlight the brutal reality that child victims of this crime face and that our services across the country deal with every day is remarkable. It is fantastic that the play is opening in the Trafalgar Studios, which will help raise awareness about this terrible truth.” Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society.
Firebird is my first full-length play and I can’t believe the journey it’s been on. I was thrilled when I found out I was going to be given the chance to try it out Downstairs, for it to then open at the Trafalgar Studios, having also been live-streamed by Time Out for the brilliant Children’s Society, I feel very fortunate indeed. If the play can in some way have a positive impact on vulnerable young people then I will be massively proud. Phil Davies
Firebird is produced by Tim Johanson and Hampstead Theatre Productions, in association with The Children’s Society
Firebird | Booking Information
Trafalgar Studios,
14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY
Wednesday 17th February – Saturday 19th March 2016
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm (Thursday and Saturday matinees 3pm)
Running time 100 minutes (no interval)