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Run, Rebel (2023)

Written and adapted by Manjeet Mann
Directed by Tessa Walker

Returning to stages in Autumn 2024!

I am strength
I am power
I am courage
I am revolution
I am Amber Rai

Amber is trapped – by her family’s rules, by their expectations, by her own fears. But on the running track she is completely free. As her body speeds up, the world slows down. And the tangled, mixed up lines in her head get s t r a i g h t e r . . .

It’s time to start a revolution: for her mother, for her sister, for herself.

Run, Amber. Run.

Run, Rebel is a world premier adaptation of Manjeet Mann’s celebrated novel. Following the acclaimed productions of Noughts and CrossesCrongton Knights and The Bone Sparrow, Pilot Theatre brings another spellbinding adaptation of the very best recent young adult fiction to UK stages. Combining physical theatre and mesmerising visuals, and performed by a multi-talented ensemble this promises to be another landmark co-production made especially for audiences of 11+.

Co-produced with Mercury Theatre Colchester, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Derby Theatre and York Theatre Royal.

Reviews

“its strength is in its optimism” ★★★★ British Theatre
“vividly captures the restlessness of being a teenager ” ★★★★ The Stage
“vibrant” ★★★★ The Reviews Hub
“another moving and must-see play” ★★★★ York Mix

Tour dates

Mercury Theatre Colchester

25 Feb – 04 Mar 2023

York Theatre Royal

07 Mar – 11 Mar 2023

Derby Theatre

14 Mar – 18 Mar 2023

Belgrade Theatre Coventry

21 Mar – 25 Mar 2023

Alnwick Playhouse

28 Mar (schools performances on Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th and Friday 31st March)

Guidance and information

Age Guidance: 11+
Content warning: Run, Rebel contains depictions of violence (including domestic violence), alcoholism, bullying and discrimination. The production also includes references to ‘honour’ killings. Some strong language.

Educational Resources

A full educational resource is available to download for free.

Download Run Rebel Resource Pack Part A PDF

Download Run Rebel Resource Pack Part B PDF

Free Programme

You can access the digital programme for free via one of the following links.

Download the Run Rebel Programme PDF

Access the Run Rebel Programme on ISSUU (no download)

Support Links

We have included information about support organisations for those who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse.

Support organisations for domestic abuse (national)

National Health Service
Freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Home Office

Support organisations for domestic abuse (local)

Colchester
Next Chapter 0330 333 7444
Colchester Borough Homes
Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership
Essex Compass

York
IDAS – Independent Domestic Abuse Services – 03000 110 110

Derby
Derby Women’s Centre
The Elm Foundation 08000 198 668
Crossroads Derbyshire

Coventry
Safe to Talk 0800 111 4998
Coventry Haven Women’s Aid
Panahghar 0800 055 6519
Valley House

Alnwick, Northumberland
My Harbour 01670 820199
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services
Acorns

Support organisation for forced marriage and honour crimes
Karma Nirvana: 0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
GOV.UK Forced Marriage Unit: 020 7008 0151

Support organisations for children
Childline – 0800 1111

Workshops

All workshops are bespoke and tailored to the needs of your students, and can be scheduled pre- or post-performance at your school, college or university. To arrange a workshop, please email us directly: info@pilot-theatre.com

A practical drama session exploring the play, production, characters, and themes delivered by a Pilot artist. The workshop can be tailored to using Run Rebel as a creative stimulus for devising, exploring Run Rebel as a set-text, or examining social justice issues related to the play.

For state schools

  • 2 sessions or a full day: £350 + VAT.
  • 1 session (up to 2 hours): £275 + VAT

For private schools

  • 2 sessions or a full day: £475 + VAT
  • 1 session (up to 2 hours): £400 + VAT

 

Cast and Creatives

  • Pushpinder Chani

    Harbans and Ensemble

  • Jessica Kaur

    Amber

  • Asha Kingsley

    Surinder and Ensemble

  • Simran Kular

    Ruby, Beena and Ensemble

  • Hannah Millward

  • Kiran Raywilliams

    David and Ensemble

Creatives

Novel by Manjeet Mann
Adapted by Manjeet Mann
Director: Tessa Walker
Designer: Debbie Duru
Lighting Designer: Ben Cowens
Video Designer: Daniel Denton
Associate Video Designer: Ben Glover
Sound Designer: Yvonne Gilbert
Composer: Niraj Chag
Movement Director: Kuldip Singh-Barmi
Associate Movement Director: Ayesha Fazal
Casting Director: Olivia Barr
Casting Consultant: Polly Jerrold Casting
Casting Associate: Francesca Tennant
Staff Director: Neetu Singh
Assistant Director (Birkbeck Placement): Emmy Briggs

Stage Management Team

Company Stage Manager (Colchester): Rebecca Samuels
Company Stage Manager (Tour): Emily Walls
Deputy Stage Manager: Jeanette Maggs
Assistant Stage Manager: Lizzie Hayward

Gallery

Teenage girl, Amber, is laid on some cushions on the floor with. SHe is smiling, as are her mother and sister who are also sat on cushions behind her.

A teenage boy wearing a blue school polo shirt, puffer jacket, and backpack is crouching recreating Usain Bolt's victory stance.

A production photo from the 2023 production of Run, Rebel. A teenage girl stands triumphantly at the front of the stage, dressed in joggers and tracksuit top. She is smiling. Behind her, out of focus,are other cast members celebrating.

A teenage girl, dressed in a blue school polo shirt and burgundy hoody, is held by another student. He is also wearing a blue school polo shirt, puffer jacket, and backpack. She looks directly at the audience with an expression that shows she's enjoying this unexpected moment.

A stage set-up liek a classroom. Four students are seating listening to Amber, another student, talk passionately to them. The teacher stands, arms folded behind his back, watching the scene.