Norwich’s Curious Directive are one of England’s most exciting theatre companies. Soon to mark the 20th anniversary of the company’s foundation at the University of Warwick, Curious Directive focuses on ‘theatre through the lens of science’. However, for their latest touring production, the enigmatically titled Black Sheep, the focus is less on science and more on storytelling – ostensibly the story of farming in Norfolk but, as one character observes, it could also be the story of farming anywhere. Bonnie is a tenant farmer and, while she and her sons have had more than their share of challenges, they appear to have come through relatively unscathed. Now with the opportunities of Brexit and the support of a new government committed to supporting farmers and “champion British farming whilst protecting the environment”, what could possibly go wrong?
Well, quite a bit. Clearly. But Black Sheep isn’t about the empty words and misleading promises of politicians; it’s about a family and how and why families support and shape each other even when the chips are very definitely stacked against them. Set at Easter this year, the first half amounts to a reimagining of the radio programme The Archers – knowingly so, given the focus on a family surnamed Carter. The script is devised and performed by the six-strong ensemble cast and plays out as the “daily life of a farming family”, but with a slightly firmer grasp of reality, albeit one that owes more to the kitchen-table than the kitchen-sink. As with The Archers, there are other characters, although the reason for their presence isn’t immediately obvious, and some aspects of the characterisation and subplots feel a little laboured. With the second act, Black Sheep takes a very different turn. The events of the first act have played out, and it would be wrong to reveal too much about the second half other than to say that it is surprising, sympathetic and satisfying. It would be equally wrong to single out any member of the cast, all of whom are excellent. Sufficient to praise Jack Lowe, director of Black Sheep and CEO of Curious Directive, the technical team of Zoë Hurwitz, Helen Atkinson, Ellie Thompson and Alex Fernandes, and the scientists with whom the company collaborated on Black Sheep, Charles Sayer and Patrick Murtimer.
Review by Louis Mazzini
Set between 2025 and 2050 on a windswept coastal farm in Norfolk, Black Sheep charts the Carter family’s struggle to secure their future succession while facing brutal environmental upheavals and the unyielding grind of farm life.
Originating as part of the National Theatre Generate Programme, Black Sheep has been meticulously devised in collaboration with Norfolk farmers. This is a contemporary psalm about pastoral life and the dilemmas facing generations of farming families. Firmly rooted in its rural setting, it confronts global issues of food provenance and the climate emergency, yet at its heart are universal themes of love, grief, inheritance and belonging.
Direction: Jack Lowe
Associate Direction: Craig Hamilton
Design: Zoë Hurwitz
Sound: Helen Atkinson
Light: Alex Fernandes
Video: Ellie Thompson
Composition: Theo Whitworth
Devising ensemble: Mila Carter, Amanda Hadingue, Lewis Mackinnon, Robert Macpherson, Sophie Steer & Matilda Ziegler.
BLACK SHEEP
Shoreditch Town Hall
24 October to 1 November 2025
