Two witnesses to a maritime disaster resolve to support the futures of the families of those lost, while a modern-day coxswain’s daughter grapples with her family’s long legacy of life-saving.
After the devastating loss of crews responding to the shipwreck of the Mexico off the coast of Southport in 1886, the Macaras launch their own mission with an initiative that will change the course of charity fundraising across the nation.
Newly qualified navigator, Shannon, feeling ever in the shadow of her station-legend dad, Eddie, awaits her chance to prove she has earnt her place on their lifeboat.
Centuries have passed, equipment evolved, but the courage remains the same. As a sinking yacht issues a desperate mayday call, and with time running out, Shannon faces the age-old question for mariners past:
How far will you go to save the life of a stranger?
WITH COURAGE is commissioned by PlayWell Productions with development supported by Arts Council England, Sylvia Waddilove Foundation, Lighthouse Poole, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, Mercury Theatre, and Spun Glass Theatre. The show is premiering to coincide with the RNLI’s bicentenary.
CREATIVES
Book, music & lyrics by Jon Hare
Direction by Charlotte Westenra
Musical Direction by Mary Erskine
Design by Anna Kelsey
Presented by PlayWell Productions
Jon Hare – Writer / Composer / Lyricist
Jon’s other shows include ‘80s jukebox musical Charming, First World War musical Never Again, and children’s show The First Chris Moose. Jon is a Governor member of the RNLI.
Charlotte Westenra – Director & Dramaturg
Olivier award-winning director & dramaturg. Credits include The Agreement by Owen McCafferty (Lyric Theatre Belfast; IAC New York); The Wicker Husband by Darren Clark & Rhys Jennings (Watermill Theatre); and Indecent Proposal by Michael Conley & Dylan Schlosberg (Southwark Playhouse).
Mary Erskine – Musical Director
Mary is a classically trained pianist and cellist and acclaimed singer/songwriter, under the name Me For Queen. As Me For Queen she has toured the UK & Europe and has had her songs played on BBC 6Music, Radio 3, Amazing Radio, BBC Scotland & BBC Wales.
Anna Kelsey – Designer
Anna is a theatre designer based in North London. She is also an associate artist at The Watermill Theatre. Recent design credits include: Shakespeare’s R&J (Reading Rep), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Southwark Playhouse), The Wicker Husband (The Watermill Theatre), and Indecent Proposal (Southwark Playhouse).
Follow the journey @WithCourageShow on Instagram and X
