Vidar Hjardeng MBE - I Daniel Blake, AD Theatre Review

Season 2, Episode 33,   Jun 30, 2023, 02:00 PM

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews.

This week Vidar was reviewing the stage adaptation of Ken Loach’s 2016 award-winning film, ‘I DANIEL BLAKE’ by Comedian, Playwright and Actor Dave Johns who also played the lead role of Daniel in Ken Loach’s film as the production visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Professional Audio Describer Jonathan Nash provided the live description for both the dry run and the audio described performance at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

‘I, Daniel Blake’ is adapted by Dave Johns from the film directed by Ken Loach, written by Paul Laverty, and produced by Rebecca O’Brien for Sixteen Films.

Dan is a carpenter. A Geordie through and through. Just on the mend after a heart attack. Katie has just arrived from London. Finally got a council house for her and the kids.  A fresh start.

‘I, Daniel Blake’ is one of the most important stories of a generation. A glimpse behind the headlines and the stark reality of what happens when the political system is stacked against you. With 14.5 million people living in poverty in the UK, this is not fiction. It is reality.

A touching and vital story of how people come together in the face of adversity and how sometimes creating a family to support you just isn’t enough. The show is adapted for stage by Dave Johns who played Daniel Blake in the award winning 2016 film.

Presented by Northern Stage, Birmingham Rep, ETT, Oldham Coliseum and tiny dragon Productions, in association with Cardboard Citizens. Age Guideline 12+

More about the tour of ‘I DANIEL BLAKE’ can be found on either the northern Stage website - https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/i-daniel-blake-2/

Or the English Touring Theatre Company’s website - https://ett.org.uk/our-work/i-daniel-blake/


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