Forgotten in the Land of Egypt

A new play explores a chilling flooded future for an East Anglian community, through the eyes and experiences of local people. Two children are at the heart of the thought-provoking drama calling at Sheringham Little Theatre on March 7 during the second leg of its regional tour.

Forgotten in the Land of Egypt peers into 2050, when much of the region has been swallowed by the sea and the children are scavenging what they can to survive. They are also touched by the story of a mysterious mute waterman who dredges up bits of history as he punts around the flooded fens. The drama switches to the modern day when a woman suffering dreams about the children’s plight seeks solace from a local priest.

The title, taken from the Bible, hints that trouble may follow times of plenty, with a nod to climate change, and human interference, being the cause. It is presented by the Mango Ensemble which aims to take new drama to rural communities, and whose founder Layla Chowdhury also plays the young girl and priest. She explained: “It’s about loss of community and how it affects people like the children who just have each other. It’s funny and emotional, and we have found audiences go away wanting to read the script or see it again to delve deeper into its poetic language and messages such as how human connection can help solve problems such as grief and loneliness.”

The play was written by award-winning Cambridgeshire playwright Tom Murray, and is directed by Little Theatre favourite Katie Thompson. The other cast members are Isabella Thompson and George Kirby- Smith.

Forgotten in the Land of Egypt is at Sheringham Little Theatre on Friday March 7 at 7.30pm. Tickets (£16, £14 students) from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or the box office on 01263 822347.

Pictures (credit Ed Rees Photography)