Free Agents Youth Theatre. Goodwood Theatre and Studio. 30 Jul 2026
Set In Regency London, we are first introduced to Octavia, who sits writing while a young man (later identified as Jimmy) urges her to write the story as she knows it, as she believes it happened. Before long, we’re swept into her story, where of course, she plays a primary role. I say ‘primary’ rather than ‘leading’ as this remarkable 15 strong cast almost all take a turn at being the centre of attention, and when they aren’t they’re the best support acts you could hope for.
Written and directed by Sean Riley, founder of Free Agent’s Youth Theatre, Bright is the result of three years of workshopping and collaboration with his theatre group, and their familiarity with the script shows clearly. One can’t really single out individuals so I won’t; there are simply 15 stand out performers.
The cast are comfortable, confident and very, very entertaining.
The area of Poplar, London in 1818 was a fairly seedy place; close to the docks and home to the taverns, brothels and gambling houses that tend to service seafaring communities. This is where the Pittfield family live; father Augie, mother Nancy, three sons and a daughter. Each of them has their story, and all are allowed to play them out. Billy frequents brothels, Ned is a pugilist, Polly a washerwoman. Jimmy claims to be involved in transport but really, along with his brothers, he’s a resurrectionist.
The conversations around this family table are funny, warm, friendly and loving, with a banter that is so well written you want to join in.
Orphan Octavia Nettlefield (she of the writing desk) is twin to Darius, an artist who just adores drawing hands, and it is his poor orientation skills that lead him into Poplar and to the acquaintance of Jimmy.
What follows from here just gets better and better, as we’re introduced to a Jewish refugee, a medium (who also fancies herself a soprano) and her companion, a maid who is more like the mistress, the doctor who receives the bodies from the Pittfields (since resurrectionists are actually grave robbers who steal corpses and sell them to medical teaching facilities), society friends and of course, the villains of the piece.
It’s not quite a farce yet not a melodrama, but it is bloody funny, with a script that really deserves to travel widely.
Kim Liotta’s design is wonderfully effective, with all set pieces working double time, and Stephen Durey’s lighting design quietly propels the scene changes and moods. The genteel but continual piano accompaniment from composer Reuben Fernee is icing on this cake.
Do go and see this production if you can. It’s funny, sad, surprising and joyous, and it’s such a showcase of talent, from cast and crew alike. Director Sean Riley has guided this cast of ‘bright young things’ with a firm but generous hand, and the show is clearly all the more enriched by their creative contribution.
Arna Eyers-White
Where: Goodwood Theatre and Studio
When: 30 Jul to 1 Aug
Tickets: trybooking.com
