Entertainment

Culture-clash comedy I Shall Wear Purple reminds us life is for living

The latest production from c21 Theatre Company is I Shall Wear Purple
The latest production from c21 Theatre Company is I Shall Wear Purple The latest production from c21 Theatre Company is I Shall Wear Purple

YOUTH and experience collide in a hilarious clash of culture in a new production at Belfast's Grand Opera House from the pen of Rosemary Jenkinson.

Opening next week, I Shall Wear Purple tells the story of headstrong Olivia (Stella McCusker) and dreamer Thomas (Patrick McBrearty) who find themselves in Malinderry Care Home for very different reasons; one tries everything to escape while the other never wants to leave.

The black comedy from c21 Theatre Company is a play about painting the town purple, growing old disgracefully and the nature of art, with a powerful message that life is for living.

"We want the audience to sympathise with these two people in their plight, while seeing the funny side and willing them to swallow their pride and accept help from each other," says Jenkinson.

Ahead of the tour, director and co-founder of c21 Theatre Company, Stephen Kelly said: "Rosemary has tapped into the myriad of issues facing many in today’s society. Purple symbolises ‘spirit’ which is something both our characters have in abundance, and it’s the kindred spirit they find in each other which proves that age really is just a number."

:: I Shall Wear Purple will run at Belfast's Grand Opera House from February 26 to March 2, followed by a six-show tour across the north. C21theatrecompany.com.