Lightning Jar Announce First UK Production Of THE DREAMER EXAMINES HIS PILLOW, At Old Red Lion, From Jan 2013

Acclaimed American writer John Patrick Shanley's deeply moving play - set in the Bronx during the angst-ridden 1980s - is brought to the UK for the very first time by transatlantic theatre group Lightning Jar Theatre Company.

A stark exploration of how humans deal with emotions beyond their grasp, this production of John Patrick Shanley's The Dreamer Examines his Pillow is touching and intrinsically relatable.

The Bronx, 1983. Landlords burn their own buildings. Sons steal from mothers. Everyone seeks escape. Reaganomics. The rise of the new millionaire. Money can buy happiness. At least, that's what they tell you on TV.

Sat in a dingy apartment staring into the void, Tommy, a twenty-something down-and-out is in search of the meaning behind it all. Enter ex-girlfriend Donna - hurt, vengeful, and damn right angry. 'How could you do that? Do you hate me?' He looks to the self-portrait for answers. Hopeless. Maybe Donna's dad can knock some sense into him.

Lightning Jar Theatre Company is a transatlantic theatre group comprised of actors who have trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. The company is dedicated to putting on unseen works and merging cinematic imagery with laid-bare performances.

The Old Red Lion Theatre is one of London's best loved theatres, having opened its doors over 30 years ago. Their mission is to nurture and present the very best new and emerging theatrical talent - Kathy Burke, Abi Morgan and Katie Mitchell to name but a few.

In the last year the Old Red Lion Theatre has transferred work off-Broadway and twice to the West End.

Most recent credits include: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (the longest ever running off-West End comedy play), Kissing Sid James (London and off-Broadway), The Importance of Being Earnest (Old Red Lion Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket) and REDfest (the Old Red Lion Theatre's new writing festival).