Something Underground Theatre Company Presents THE WELL, May 10-24

This May's Brighton Fringe, sees a new play about Brighton'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".

"Superb. A must-see for anyone who really loves not just theatre, but an intelligent and amazing story. Go and see it. Beautiful, thought and emotion provoking piece. It is too long since I've been challenged and moved like that and reminded of the things possible on stage." Arwen Matthews.

Written and directed by Jonathan Brown, who was born near the well, and played at Hove Town Hall, 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.

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.

Meanwhile, Something Underground Theatre Company are adding value to The Fringe experience this year, by also bringing out two new One Person shows, which happen to be Prequels to The Well.

"Betsy: The Wisdom of a Brighton Wh*re" a deeper tale about Betsy from "The Well", is set in early 1800's Brighton, and is played by Rachel Guershon, deep in the highly atmospheric Old Police Cells Museum, under Brighton Town Hall.

"The Silent Stream" is about The Prince Regent's battle to build The Pavilion, and the ancient hidden river that flowed under Brighton which almost stopped him. It too is performed by Jonathan Brown at Hove Town Hall during The Fringe.

And all three shows, written by Jonathan, can be seen on a special deal ticket through the Fringe Box Office.

Says Jonathan, "We're all incredibly excited to have these three shows in The Fringe this year and everyone is working so hard to find the most impactful ways to relate these lost Brighton stories. And they are excellent stories!"

Tickets are now on sale. To book yours, go to the Brighton Fringe Website at www.brightonfringe.org