The Southbury Child (NHB Modern Plays)

David Highland is a charming, but isolated, coastal parish priest who finds himself at odds with public opinion when he takes a hard line with a bereaved parishioner. The Southbury Child is a darkly comic play that explores family and community, societal divisions, and rituals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

David Highland, a charismatic and often inebriated figure, has managed to maintain control over his remote coastal parish through a blend of disordered charm and unwavering determination. However, when his religious convictions lead him to adopt a strict stance towards a grieving parishioner, he finds himself dangerously alienated from the prevailing public sentiment. As his own family begins to unravel, David confronts a future that jeopardizes not only his position in the town but also the very principles he holds dear.

The Southbury Child is a darkly comedic play that delves into the complexities of family and community, the stark divisions of contemporary society, and the rituals that shape our existence. Co-produced by Chichester Festival Theatre and the Bridge Theatre, London, in 2022, the play features Alex Jennings in the lead role and is directed by Nicholas Hytner.

Through its exploration of these themes, The Southbury Child offers a thought-provoking and poignant commentary on the human condition. It challenges our perceptions of morality, power, and the consequences of our actions, leaving us with a deeper understanding of the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848429741