Something Underground Theatre Company Presents THE WELL, June 21-22

This June, Lewes sees a new play about Sussex's hidden past.
It is a well-kept secret that the World's Deepest Hand-Dug Well stretches down 1300ft beneath Brighton.
The Well, which combines physical theatre, haunting songs and evocative lighting, is a powerful drama, set in Victorian Brighton, about the digging of the world's deepest hand-dug well, a well that stretches down as deep as the Empire State Building is high.
Something Underground Theatre Company, who last year Won the Best New Play Award at The Brighton Fringe have created a stirring, sometimes disturbing rollercoaster of a play which, they say, "incorporates tender and visceral performances bathed in an atmospheric world touching on the archetypal, whilst grounded in themes of personal struggle, intimacy and love".

"....wholehearted, studied performances and a clever script.... The effect is to give the play an intoxicating fluidity and unpredictability....."?...a gripping, expertly paced story. Some superbly dramatic set pieces, including a genuinely thrilling finale, ....well worth the effort." The Argus May 2013.

Written and directed by Lewes-based Jonathan Brown, who was born near the well, it is set in 1862 Brighton, where Jack and 45 other men have been digging a well to supply the new local workhouse. But they're finding no water. Despite this seemingly pointless exercise and the ever-mounting expense, the digging continues. But Jack is also digging for the truth about his mother, Betsy, a prostitute who was found dead under the Chain Pier. Now, in a relationship with Bella, another prostitute, he discovers too much; about those in power, and about Betsy.

Jonathan says, "The company has worked incredibly hard, a feat that mirrors, if not matches, the digging of the well itself. "Striking water", perhaps by moving the audience, is the main aim of all their Brunelian efforts!"

4 Stars. "This production is a powerful example of physical theatre. They achieve this with spectacular imagery aided by creative lighting and haunting songs. The Argus. Brighton. 2011

4 Stars: ".... (the) huge achievement in creating "The Well" is admirable for its audacious development of a footnote in history, an amazing experience....... scaffolding, ladders and levels are irresistible to the gymnastically inclined cast who provide constant fascination by their inventive interaction with the set...."?Their movements at times flow with almost balletic grace ...Each (performer) demonstrate total competence in their art, .....Simple ingenuities pepper the entertainment. Torches are used to startling effect ... everything theatre should be......" Remote goat, Bridgwater, June 2013?http://www.remotegoat.co.uk/review_view.php?uid=9858

And Something Underground Theatre Company scooped up several awards and nominations at this year's Brighton Fringe and Festival. Not only were they once again shortlisted Best New Play for "The Silent Stream", a prequel to "The Well", but also won the Best Male Performer Award for the same show. Whilst Rachel Guershon was nominated Best Female Performer, for their third Fringe show "Betsy: Wisdom of a Brighton Whore", another prequel to "The Well".

More info at http://www.somethingunderground.co.uk/