Shooting Clouds

Written by Frank Bramwell

ABOUT THE PLAY

Set in the global economic depression of 1958, this hard-hitting play tackles head-on the disastrous effects of an economic downturn on the Pearson family business; the greed and driving ambitions of individuals, and the avarice and financial power of the banks.

It is a play that explores the economic climate of today by looking at the last global economic recession of 1958; trying to see what lessons there are to be learnt and whether, despite being 50 years apart, there are similarities.

A small family business expands, to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by new markets; however not everything goes to plan, and before long the tensions within the family cause a meltdown; brotherly rivalry comes to the surface.

First performed: Union Theatre, 2008

Cast and creative team

Cast:

John: Francis Kennedy
Donald: Bret Jones
Will: Damian Sommerlad
Mary: Jennifer Belander
Gilbert: Thomas Coombes
Ann: Mariam Bell

Creatives:

Writer/Producer: Frank Bramwell
Director: Arnaud Mugglestone
Designer: Edward Lidster

Production photos

Reviews

“Frank Bramwell’s extraordinary retro piece of work closely resembles one of the autobiographical works of Tennessee Williams . . . it gives every impression of actually being written at that time."

Aline Waites,

What's On Stage

“It is well directed by Arnaud Mugglestone and the clever multiple set is by Edward Lidster who also seems to have one foot in the fifties.”

Aline Waites,

What's On Stage

“Set in America during the recession of 1958, Frank Bramwell’s beautiful and absorbing play has particular resonance in today’s economic climate.”

Francesca Whiting,

The Stage

“Frank Bramwell's play Shooting Clouds is a sharply observed social drama with a very topical overtone.”

Fiona Doyle,

SE1

“Shooting Clouds is an accomplished and engaging play made all the more so considering the current economic climate we are experiencing.”

Fiona Doyle,

SE1

“I don't know whether dramatist Frank Bramwell is an American (I think not), but to me this seemed a very convincing piece of Americana. It is a script that fits into a way of presenting American life that is familiar from Steinbeck to Miller.”

Howard Loxton,

British Theatre Guide

“Aided by a clever three-part stage layout, fine performances from the whole cast ably match the qualities of a deftly nuanced script.”

Rob Hastings,

TimeOut

"It's really the acting that makes this production so memorable. The performances are of an exceptionally high calibre and while Bret Jones is the stand out, Jennifer Belander puts in a superbly touching performance in a role that is much subtler and altogether more demanding.”

Stephan Ernst,

Remote Goat

“You can tell it’s a good play when you want to stand up in the middle of a scene and demand that the characters take back their decisions, or persuade them to see things from the privileged view of the audience.”

Alice MacKenzie,

Extra! Extra!

“Shooting Clouds is a fine drama, topical in its economic theme, but also affecting in the philosophical issues that are truly resonant for this or any era.”

Roberto Hernandez,

London Theatreviews

“However it's really the acting that makes this production so memorable. The performances are of an exceptionally high calibre and while Bret Jones is the stand out, Jennifer Belander puts in a superbly touching performance in a role that is much subtler and altogether more demanding.”