Warwick Arts Centre and China Plate presents 

Trying it On

Written and performed by David Edgar
Directed by Christopher Haydon 

Supported using public funds from The National Lottery through Arts Council England. 
 

“Are we the same person? If not, why not? If so, can either of us bear it?”

It’s 1968. David is 20 and in his second year at University. It is the height of the world-wide student revolt. The Vietnam war rages. Powell delivers his “rivers of blood” speech. Martin Luther King is assassinated. These events will define David’s politics and give focus to his writing.

Now in his 70s, he is confronted by his 20-year-old self. Do they share the same beliefs? If not, is it the world that’s changed, or him?

Why did his generation vote Brexit? Has he sold in or sold out?

Running time: 85 minutes
Age guidance: 12+

David Edgar's plays have been presented by the National Theatre, the Royal Court, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company (including Destiny, Maydays, Nicholas Nickleby and A Christmas Carol). After 50 years of writing, Trying It On (directed by Christopher Haydon) marks David’s professional debut as a performer.

★★★★

“What happened to the Sgt Pepper generation?” asks the playwright David Edgar in this hugely stimulating one-man show… as charming as it is challenging” - The Times 

★★★★ 

“David Edgar’s autobiographical analysis of recent social change is energised with humour and humility” - The Stage 

★★★★

“A measured and moving show about activism, ageing, and the cyclical struggle against far-right populism” - Whatsonstage
 

“The playwright’s imagined confrontation with the political activist he was 50 years ago is a triumph of confessional courage – and relentless optimism … Quite simply, he demonstrates that a play can now be whatever its author wants it to be”. - Michael Billington, Guardian.