Documentary Plays involve an extensive research period gathering (usually recording in audio format) the stories, descriptions and experiences of a specific group of people- defined by locality, work, or shared history. The writer incorporates these stories & testimonies into the overall story of the play, aiming to produce theatre that is vivid, authentic and relevant to the immediate community and beyond. In effect the community provides the play’s content, and the writer’s task is to select and shape it into a compelling dramatic whole. The scripts might be described as ‘faction’ in that they contain a strong element of verbatim testimony, but they also might include fictionalised characters- often composites of different people’s stories. The aim throughout is to present not the writer’s version of the story, but to portray it through the prism of those who experienced it.

  Every Time it Rains- the story of the Hull 2007 floods

Written by Rupert Creed. Directed by Gareth Tudor Price. Designed by Graham Kirk. Hull Truck Theatre 2009

“Puts theatre at the heart of the community and the community at
the heart of the theatre” (Guardian)

“Overflowing with information, emotion and spirit. A brilliantly acted, well researched and incredibly emotive portrayal of the day that shook Hull” (Dig Yorkshire)  

  “A powerful piece of theatre. Creed’s play should go some way to redressing Hull’s place as the forgotten city.” (Yorkshire Post)

“Not a dry eye was left in the theatre. A drama which unflinchingly captures the reality of a moment in time and  celebrates a community rallying together” (Hull Daily Mail)

 ‘Working Lives’

‘The Northern Trawl’

The story of deep sea fishermen. Written by Rupert Creed & Jim Hawkins. Directed by Rupert Creed. Music by John Conolly & Bill Meek. Design by Dave Whatt. Costume Design by Chris Lee
Remould Theatre Company national tours ’85,’86,’92,’93. International tour to Norway,Iceland, the Faroes ’93 including the National Theatre Reykjavik.
Nominated for Manchester Evening News Theatre Award. Also produced by Hull Truck Theatre Company Feb 2000.

“Powerful stuff. It does what theatre should, it makes you laugh, cry and think.” (The Guardian) 

“A well-made, sturdy and sensitive docu-drama, sympathetic and excellently performed. You emerge both entertained and informed.” (The Independent)

“This was real theatre, an extraordinary, beautiful and touching adventure” (Nordlys-Norway)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mk1GOpJFyg

‘Close to the Bone’- the story of nursing

Written by Rupert Creed & Mary Cooper. Directed by Rupert Creed. Music
by Helen Porter. Design by Dave Whatt. Costume Design by Chris Lee. Remould Theatre. National tour ’87 including Croyden Warehouse Theatre

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“Deft and enthralling” (The Times)

“Possibly the best portrayal of nursing and nurses ever” (Nursing Standard)

 

 

 ‘Steeltown’

‘Steeltown’ – the story of Scunthorpe’s iron and steel workers

Written & directed by Rupert Creed. Music by Roger Watson. Design by
Dave Whatt. Costume Design by Chris Lee. Remould Theatre. National tours
’88,’90 including Germany

“A compelling piece of work” (Quarterly Theatre Review)

“Brilliant, enthralling.. this scintillating production held the audience spellbound” (Scunthorpe Telegraph)

‘The Care Takers’ – the story of social work

Written & directed by Rupert Creed. Music by Hilary Gordon. Design by
Richard Aylwin. Costume Design by Chris Lee. Remould Theatre. National tour ’89-’90

“Well written, well acted, funny, moving and highly entertaining.” (Yorkshire Post)

“Effective commonsense writing- perfectly judged” (The Guardian)

‘Street Beat’ – the story of the police

 

Written by Rupert Creed & Peter Spafford. Directed by Rupert Creed. Music
by Jenifer Calthrop. Design by Dave Whatt. Costume Design by Chris Lee.  Remould Theatre. National tour ’90-’91

 

“Uses an effective mixture of storytelling and drama to offer a fascinating insight into police life” (The Guardian) 

“Brilliantly funny as well as thought provoking…powerful moments of both humour and pathos” (Hull Daily Mail)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdl6OPFvv1g

‘Making Faces’ – Stories of the acting profession

Written & directed by Rupert Creed. Music by Hilary Gordon. Design by
Dave Whatt. Costume Design by Chris Lee. Remould Theatre. National tour ’91-’92

“A moving, bittersweet account of life on the road… the company bring relish and conviction to their roles.” (The Guardian)

Had more giggles per nano-second than watching Ben Elton, Rik Mayall and three sets of French and Saunders put together” (Huddersfield Examiner)

‘The Greatest Story Ever Sold’- the Story of the Press

Written by Rupert Creed & Tim Haunton. Directed by Rupert Creed. Music
by Jenifer Calthrop. Design by Dave Whatt. Costume design by Chris Lee. Remould Theatre. National tour ’93-’94

“Provides a thoughtful balanced survey of the issues raised by the mess our press is in today” (The Guardian) 

“A humorous but hard-hitting portrayal of life in a freelance news agency…riveting entertainment” (Yorkshire Post)

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