By John Baron
A Pudsey man has set up the new Rebel Roots Theatre Company – and has just announced its debut show.
Rebel Roots Theatre Company was established late last year by a group of four Leeds Conservatoire graduates, including Tyler Pickles. It aims to create theatre for working-class communities and create work for graduates and unrepresented talent.
The company’s debut show, ‘Family First’, will run from September 5 to the 27 in pubs and venues across Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Sheffield and Manchester.
Co-written by Tyler Pickles (best-known for his role as Liam in Channel 4’s Dreamers) and Danté Thomas (Leeds-based actor and spoken-word artist), the show tells the story of a pub-owning family who are trying to keep their business afloat in the 21st century.
The play is set in Yorkshire, with the family having strong ties to their Irish routes.
Tyler said the show tells a heartfelt story of family, tradition and storytelling showcases the reality many pub-owners are facing in the modern day.
He added: “Family First comes at a critical time in conversation for small businesses trying to combat the cost-of-living crisis. I hope this story will showcase the necessity and joy that these spaces bring to local communities, and highlight the need to support them.”
A working-class lad from Pudsey, Tyler created the company with the ambition of amplifying working-class voices, and creating work for fellow graduates, as well as unrepresented talent.
Director, Brandon Robinson-Connolly, added “I have always felt Family First is a love letter to the inhabitants of God’s Own County and this is strongly reflected in every person who has contributed to its development.
“I am very humbled that this recently launched Theatre Company is trusting me to be a part of this intimate story about heritage, hope and renewal. To direct Rebel Roots’ first production at the start of an exciting first chapter is a real pleasure.”
For more information and to book tickets visit rebelrootstheatre.com or follow them on @rebelrootstheatreco – Age Guidance 12+
Established in late 2024, in the midst of the cost of living crisis, Rebel Roots aims to bring theatre to those who are left behind by the fast-moving modern day world.
Rebel Roots goes wherever the audience is – aiming to create the same experience in pubs, clubs and community centres to ensure that nobody is deprived of theatre no matter their financial background.