Warwick Arts Centre and China Plate present

Trying it on

How our younger selves might – and our old selves do – relate to each other.

#TryingItOnPlay

Run time: 85 minutes

Age: 12+

Content warnings: Contains some strong language.

A collaged image of a man, sliced down the middle by a blue and red overlay.

The Times

4 stars

The Stage

4 stars

Whatsonstage

4 stars

"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, The Guardian

A man standing with his arms, stretched out looking up to the ceiling, wearing a long coat, shirt and trousers.

Trying It On

Written and performed by David Edgar
Directed by Christopher Haydon

“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?

“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

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

Photo © Lara Cappelli

Creative Team

A man holding a tape recorder and microphone, looking away from the camera.

David Edgar

Playwright & contemporary political commentator; David has been writing critically acclaimed plays since 1971.

Read more about David Edgar
  • Writer & Performer | David Edgar
  • Director | Christopher Haydon
  • Designer | Frankie Bradshaw
  • Lighting & Video Designer | William Reynolds
  • Sound Designer | Ella Wahlström
  • Stage Manager | Danielle Phillips
  • Production Manager | Kady Howey Nunn / Katy Monroe Farlie
  • Deputy Production Manager | Mark Hannant
  • Filmmaker | Rachel Bunce
  • Producers | Warwick Arts Centre & China Plate

Gallery

A man performing on stage, holding a Guerilla poster up in the air, there is an office chair to his left and projected images behind him.

© Lara Cappelli

A man performing on stage, speaking to the audience, with projected images behind him.

© Lara Cappelli

A man performing on stage, holding up a Guerrilla poster up in the air, not looking directly at the camera

© Lara Cappelli

Downloads

For more information, please contact Ed Collier

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