Deafinitely Theatre and New Diorama Theatre present

CONTRACTIONS

By Mike Bartlett

"It’s very important that you stay healthy.

That the environment you work in is safe.

That you feel comfortable, and secure.

That you feel balanced, safe, and in control."

Are your employers concerned about your welfare? Do they have a duty of care? Emma thinks so, but when she begins a relationship with colleague Darren, her Manager suggests she might be in breach of contract. A series of bizarre meetings follow, during which the consequences of Emma’s actions take on a disturbing quality…

A dark comedy about faceless corporations, nameless management and the boundaries between work and play. Staged in co-production with New Diorama on a disused trading floor, Contractions is Deafinitely Theatre's first site-specific show.

Deafinitely Theatre’s Contractions, was the first professional revival of the play in London since its debut at the Royal Court Theatre in 2008.

Contractions was filmed at New Diorama Theatre.

Age guidance: 16+

Please be aware that there may be scenes that some audiences find distressing. For further support, please see Support Resources 

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Reviews 

"The play’s exploration of the abuse of power in the workplace and beyond feels more relevant than ever. Nastily compelling and — for all its queasy absurdity — horribly convincing. a fascinating site-specific reinterpretation"
★ ★ ★ ★ The Times [ Full Review]

“a deeply affecting psychological thriller” “a short, slick, Orwellian nightmare”
★ ★ ★ ★ The Stage [ Full Review ]

'A powerful, chilling and heartbreaking piece of theatre”
★ ★ ★ ★  London Theatre 1 [ Full Review ]

'Gripping”
★ ★ ★ ★  Spy in the stalls [ Full Review ]

WINNER - Off West End Award - Best Production 

Download the free Contractions Study Guide.

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Cast and Creatives

Cast

Emma - Abigail Poulton
The Manager - Fifi Garfield

Creatives

Director - Paula Garfield
Designer - Paul Burgess
Lighting Designer - Joe Hornsby
Composer and Sound Designer - Chris Bartholomew
Visual Consultant - Brian Duffy

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Videos 

Contractions Trailer 

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Support Resources 

If you have experienced, or are currently experiencing, any of the issues raised in the play, the following websites/helplines may be of assistance:

• royaldeaf.org.uk / 0845 688 2525
• actiononhearingloss.org.uk / 0808 808 0123 or 0808 808 9000 for textphone
• gov.uk/access-to-work
• childbereavementuk.org / 0800 02 888 40
• childdeathhelpline.org.uk / 0800 282 986 or 0808 800 6019 from a mobile