Mites - Tristan Bates Theatre

The world premiere of the bleakly comic, psychological thriller Mites written by James Mannion (Hedgehogs & Porcupines, Old Red Lion) will be at the Tristan Bates Theatre from 7 to 26 October 2019.

This absurdist piece is a sinister exploration of the manipulation which can underpin relationships.

The production will star, as Ruth, Claire Marie Hall (The Grinning Man, West End; The Colours, Soho Theatre), Richard Henderson (Cursed, Netflix; Impact, Edinburgh Fringe) as Bartholomew and George Howard as Ken (Votes for Women, New Vic; The Comedy of Errors, UK tour).

Director Marcus Marsh commented ...

"I am really excited to maintain Blueleaf Theatre's ethos of developing new writing, working with emerging playwrights and creatives.

James has produced a ground-breaking script in Mites which tackles mental health head on and the absurdist style of the piece means it is something we are sure an audience will have never seen on stage before.

The play's exploration of the manipulation in relationships and the effect this has on an individual's mental health are issues both James and I feel are very important in today's society.

We hope this production widens the conversation and provokes discussion amongst audiences."

An allegorical interpretation of mental health based on personal experiences, Mites explores the emotional turmoil which accompanies descent into mental instability.

It creates a web of mistrust, intrigue and control using an absurdist narrative to mirror the disorientating panic, paranoia and helplessness.

It is a psychological thriller which centres on a worsening spiral of manipulation and gaslighting.

Mites is an eviscerating take on the predatory and the vulnerable, autonomy and delusion which pushes boundaries and throws probing questions up in the air.

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