BAFTA And Golden Globe Nominated Actress Cathy Tyson leads An All-Female Cast In Red Snapper

Photo credit: Nicola Young

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry is thrilled to present the UK premiere of Liz Mytton’s Red Snapper, playing until Saturday 19 March, starring BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated actress Cathy Tyson.
 
Jamaica, 1962. The island is alive with the excitement of independence and the thrill of providing the setting for the iconic James Bond movie, Dr. No.
 
But for five women and their husbands on the council, this is a time of mixed fortunes and uncertainty, as personal and political tensions simmer against a backdrop of mass emigration and unrest. With local people increasingly excluded from the beaches, so as not to ruin the view for the growing tourist trade, a planned visit from nearby Cuba’s communist leader, Fidel Castro, has the islanders in a spin. Will the high profile visitor bring further prestige and glamour, or will his presence incite the island’s downtrodden fishing community to rise up?
 
Shining a spotlight on the stories of five women swimming against the tide of political and social change, Red Snapper is the stunning debut play by Liz Mytton and the first full production to come from the Belgrade Theatre’s acclaimed playwriting project, Critical Mass for emerging playwrights from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities.
 
Writer Liz Mytton said:
“I wanted to tell this particular story, set in Jamaica fifty-plus years ago, which required an all-black cast. I didn’t set out with a black agenda, just a desire to share something close to my own heart. I was, however, fascinated by the opportunity afforded by an all-female cast to represent the story of women during this particular period in world history. Often it’s men who are seen to be at the forefront of historical change. The wives, mothers and partners, by contrast, tend to be presented as subordinate to their husbands. Having the men played by women in this piece will hopefully ensure that the audience never loses sight of whose story is paramount.”
 
With an all-female cast, including BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Cathy Tyson, playing a collection of vibrant characters. Dawn Hope, who was last seen at the Belgrade as Clarity in the UK premiere of Cougar The Musical in 2015, will join her on stage. Completing the cast is Gabrielle Brooks in the role of George/Dannette, Debra Michaels as Manny/Miss Myrtle, and Karlina Grace-Paseda as Gloria/Lincoln.
  
Red Snapper plays until Saturday 19 March. Tickets are priced from £9.50 - £17 and are available from the Belgrade Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or via the Belgrade Theatre website at www.belgrade.co.uk.