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Wide acclaim for debut drama about homeless woman

A first play written by a student from Brunel University London starring the actress Cathy Tyson, has been receiving critical accolades in the national press.

The drama, She Called Me Mother, by Michelle Inniss who is studying for a masters degree in Creative Writing at Brunel, will be playing for one night at Brunel on November 4, the last staging in London in its nationwide tour.

Tyson, who stars as Evangeline, an elderly homeless Trinidadian woman who sells the Big Issue at London Bridge Rail Station, completed her degree in English and Drama at Brunel in 2013.

But whereas in most plays the audience remains passive, in She Called Me Mother, the audience is encouraged to react. “We are delighted with the audience’s and critics’ responses,” said Cathy Tyson. “The audience is commenting while the play is going on. We had encores. It’s very flattering to know that it works and people are listening.”

Cara Nolan’s direction, Michelle Inniss’s script, Cathy Tyson’s performance and that of her co-star Chereen Buckley, who plays her Evangeline’s daughter, Shirley, have all been well received by critics.

Lyn Gardner  of The Guardian wrote: “… this is an evening that brings different and distinctive voices to the stage…” The British Theatre Guide states: “Cathy Tyson gives Evangeline a vibrant personality that makes this performance compelling,” and Everything Theatre, says; “… this poignant production will certainly speak to your humanity.”

Cathy Tyson, a BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated actor is well-known for her roles in the film Mona Lisa (1986) starring with Bob Hoskins, and the TV series, Band of Gold (1995-1997) and for her work with the RS and Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre. She is an old schoolfriend of Michelle’s from Liverpool, where they both grew up.

Michele Inniss came to Brunel in 2013, where she is specialising in novel writing.

Link to book tickets for She Called me Mother, at the Antonin Artaud building, Brunel University London, UB8 3PH on November 4

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/she-called-me-mother-tickets-18452629311

For more information on the autumn tour venues, see:

Website: http://blacktheatrelive.co.uk/tours/she-called-me-mother/tour-dates
Twitter: @BlackTLive | #SheCalledMeMother | @PitchLakeProd | @Tara_Arts