Slung Low's Epic Tale FLOOD Returns to Hull

One of the theatrical highlights of Hull 2017, Flood by ground-breaking Leeds-based theatre company Slung Low, is returning to Hull to help kick off the UK City of Culture's fourth season, Tell the World.

An epic adventure about the end of the world, Flood tells the story of what happens when the deluge comes.

Written by award-winning playwright James Phillips and directed by Slung Low's artistic director Alan Lane, this parable for our times begins with a girl being brought up alive from the depths of the ocean. Her discovery triggers a series of life-changing global events, which result in the displacement of people across the world, leading to a refugee crisis on a global scale.

Taking place on a floating stage in a Hull dock against the night time sky, this unmissable work shows the impact on individuals and communities when their city is destroyed. After the rains, after the explosions, after the terror, those who have survived try to make sense of what has happened to them and find a way to make the world new again.

Since it was first staged to sell-out audiences earlier this year, events across the world have given Flood even greater significance. With performances on 26-29 September and 4-8 October, it is the last chance to experience this exhilarating production in its daringly dramatic Hull setting by the Humber.

Martin Green, Director of Hull 2017, said: "Flood is an extraordinary and thought-provoking work that asks questions of the audience and of society. At a time when nationhood and identity are fiercely contested it becomes increasingly important for art to help us make sense of the world we live in. Slung Low are at the forefront of producing theatre with a social conscience and a political edge. Added to that is the experimentalism of Flood's staging and this becomes one of the Hull 2017 highlights that should not be missed."

Alan Lane, artistic director of Slung Low, said: "The appetite amongst audiences here in Hull for political, ambitious, demanding theatre performed with spectacle has been consistently overwhelming as we've moved through the year with each previous part of Flood. Preparing for the omnibus performances it's so very clear that it's only through a combination of the opportunities provided by Hull 2017 and the enthusiastic support of the people of the city that we're able to create this epic adventure."

Slung Low, working with Hull 2017, have taken a unique approach to the telling of Flood. It first appeared digitally, when a film emerged online in January (Part One: From the Sea). The play was then staged as a live performance in April (Part Two: Abundance) and in August it was shown on television (Part Three: To the Sea) as part of the Performance Live series on BBC 2. Part Four: New World is the tale of a society devastated by natural catastrophe and how it comes together to build the world anew. Each part can be watched as a standalone story.

For four nights only, from 4-8 October, there will be a special omnibus presentation of Flood that brings together parts two and four, with part three being shown in the interval.

Adding to this unique theatrical experience we are delighted to be joined by Hull Pie and Shoot the Bull, who will be providing delicious food for sale during the interval.

Tickets for the omnibus performances are priced from £20-£25.

There are also standalone performances of Part Four: New World from 26-29 September priced from £10-£12.

Tickets are available now from www.hull2017.co.uk.

Flood has been produced with support from The Space, Arts Council England, BBC Arts and Spirit of 2012.

Debbie Lye, Chief Executive, Spirit of 2012, added: "Spirit of 2012 is delighted to help bring Flood to Hull. This hugely ambitious theatre piece further raises Hull's profile on the cultural map during 2017 and will resonate in the memory far beyond. It is bold, world class art that people across the entire city can also recognise as part of their unique heritage and enjoy together. I'm excited that Spirit is a part of it."

Photo credit: Thomas Arran