In a compelling real-life twist to an already potent household drama, acclaimed actor Gary Webster will share the stage along with his son Freddie Webster in “Blessings”, a brand new play by Sarah Shelton opening at Riverside Studios this autumn. The world premiere runs from 30 September to 26 October 2025, marking Freddie’s skilled stage debut in a manufacturing already drawing consideration for its emotionally charged premise and powerhouse casting.
Produced by Clever Leisure, “Blessings” is a darkly humorous and poignant exploration of household, religion, and long-buried truths. Set in a small English city within the Sixties, the play facilities on the Deacon family, the place the veneer of Catholic respectability is cracking beneath the load of secrets and techniques, guilt, and generational stress. Because the household reunites for Easter, hidden fractures are uncovered and the query looms: is reality value the fee?
Gary Webster, finest identified for his roles in “Minder”, “Household Affairs”, and a long time of appearances throughout British tv, will tackle the position of Frank Deacon, the quietly observant patriarch whose silence speaks volumes. In a poetic casting parallel, his real-life son Freddie steps into the position of Martin, Frank’s son within the play, mirroring the intergenerational themes on the coronary heart of the story.
“As quickly as I learn the play “Blessings” by Sarah Shelton I knew that I wished to do it,” mentioned Gary Webster. “To work on a terrific script with such terrific actors is the rationale why I grew to become an actor. Throwing in the truth that I’ll be working with my son Freddie on his skilled theatrical debut makes this chance all of the extra thrilling. I can’t wait to get began.”
Becoming a member of the Websters are Jane Slavin (“Name the Midwife”) because the commanding matriarch Dorie Deacon, Hannah Traylen (“Boiling Level”) because the rebellious Frances, Milly Roberts as sharp-tongued Penny, and Freya Taylor-Lester because the observant youngest daughter, Sally. The ensemble brings collectively seasoned performers and rising abilities to breathe life into Shelton’s blisteringly sincere script.
Sarah Shelton, who additionally directs the manufacturing, initially debuted “Blessings” in a shorter kind in the course of the 2024 Riverside Bitesize Competition to enthusiastic response. The complete-length model guarantees to delve even deeper into its exploration of household dynamics, generational trauma, and the societal expectations of a “respectable” family.
“Blessings” guarantees to be a riveting, emotionally layered theatrical occasion—each a searing critique of household facades and a deeply private milestone for the Websters. With previews starting 30 September, the present is already producing early curiosity, not only for its storyline, however for the distinctive bond it brings to the stage.
Tickets at the moment are on sale right here, with performances operating Tuesdays by Sundays at Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline Road, Hammersmith, London (venue totally wheelchair accessible).
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