Royal Court Theatre announce The Report

“One reader. One table. And me. And The Report.”

Lemn Sissay MBE is a poet, playwright, broadcaster and actor.

Lemn was brought up in care and he is taking the social services to court for stealing his life. As part of the legal proceedings Lemn has had to undergo a 5-hour psychological assessment.

When a person claims abuse by the system a report is written. The Report unveils everything.

Just before Lemn turns 50, he will hear a reading of The Report for the first time live on the Royal Court stage. He invites the public to join him.

The Report will be read by Julie Hesmondhalgh (God Bless The Child/Royal Court, Coronation Street / ITV) and is directed by John E McGrath (Artistic Director of Manchester International Festival) and produced by Sarah Sansom (Time Won’t Wait). It will be performed as a one-off performance in the Royal Court Theatre Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at 6pm on Sunday 30  April 2017.

Excerpt from Lemn Sissay’s Blog March 20th 2017;

“A few weeks ago I sat down in a beige interview room in the legal district of Leeds City Centre. I thought it was going to be easy. The man sat behind the table opposite me had been appointed by my lawyer. He was neither friendly ‘we’re going to be five hours at least’ or unfriendly ‘There’s a lot to get through.’ He clicked his ballpoint pen and the psychological interrogation of my life began. Mid way through the interview I broke down. This week I received The Report via my lawyer.  He said it brought him to tears. I’ve decided to listen to it for the first time on stage, supported by an audience.” 

Commenting on the project director John E McGrath states;

“Having worked with Lemn on his theatre pieces since 2002, and in particular having explored his personal journey of discovery in Something Dark, it is an honour to support him through this uniquely brave artistic and personal project”

Any profits from the performance will go towards the set up of the Lemn Sissay Foundation.

For the full press release click here.

For ticket information click here.