New Questors Season Begins with Award Winning Black Comedy
The nightmarish journey of a man aiming to take on a new identity
The play examines what exactly makes up our identity. Picture: The Questors
August 22, 2024
The new season at The Questors Theatre in Ealing is to open with an award-winning play – ‘How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found’ by Fin Kennedy.
It was originally meant to be staged in 2020 but the production was cancelled due to Covid-19.
The play follows the nightmarish journey of London ad-executive, Charlie, whose life is spiralling out of control. Disappearing to start a new existence seems like the only way out, so under the guidance of a dubious specialist in Southend, Charlie discards the trappings of his identity.
This black comedy was the 2006 winner of the Arts Council’s John Whiting Award, which recognises excellence in theatre writing - the first time it had been awarded to a play that had yet to be staged. It was first performed at the Crucible Studio, Sheffield, in March 2007 and was described by The Stage as, “a piece of new writing that really does restore your confidence in the future of theatre.”
The playwright’s inspiration for the play came from looking at the website of the National Missing Person's Helpline, and from his subsequent discovery of a guide to changing one's identity entitled How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found. In the published edition of the script, Kennedy writes, “Leaving one's former identity behind and starting over seems to be an almost existential act. What makes you authentic? And how do you know you're real? These may not be new questions, but they are more relevant than ever, and no less terrifying – or unanswerable.”
Artistic Director of The Questors Theatre, Alex Marker, said, “We are delighted to be finally staging How To Disappear Completely and Never be Found! We originally planned a production for Spring 2020 which had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. We are so glad that rather than letting it disappear completely, we’ve been able to bring it back this season.
“An intriguing exploration of identity through one man's desperate attempts to buck the system, this surreal comedy drama contains twists and turns to keep the audience enthralled throughout.”
How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found is the first in-house production of the new season at The Questors Theatre, due to include comedies, mysteries, experimental theatre and of course Ealing’s annual family pantomime.
It is being staged from 12 – 21 September with all performances taking place at 7:30pm except on Sunday 15 September when it is at 2:30pm. There is no show Monday 16 September.
Tickets, which cost £14-20, for How To Disappear Completely and Never Be Found are available on The Questors Theatre website and from the Box Office on 0208 567 5184. Concession prices are available.
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