The Swing Left (2000 + 2007)

Written by Steven Dykes
from a devising process with Unlimited Theatre

Originally produced in 2000 at Harrogate Theatre as part of Arts Council England’s Year of the Artist programme

It’s a long time ago now, but some of us still remember…

A landslide victory in the general election. Promises of a bright, new future. Jobs and houses for all. Things can only get better……

London, 1946. Dancefloor. Swing. Lights fade up. Music builds. Three couples jitterbug.

photos by Simon Allen

Imagine me. Roy. Coming back from somewhere and nowhere. Hoping to meet you. The girl of my dreams.

Imagine me. Kay. Aroused with opportunity and alive with the freedom of girls in boy’s boots. Hoping that I meet you. The heroes of our times.

I’ll Lindy Hop you round every dancehall in town and we’ll live a bright new future full of hope built on Labour party promises.

“I thought we won, but the country looks shit. Like everything’s falling apart.”

Over the course of one long weekend in early 1946, The Swing Left tells the story of six people finding their way in a radically changed world. Set against the political backdrop of a massive landslide victory for Labour in the general election and filled with the swing music and dance of its time, The Swing Left paints a vivid picture of England in the immediate aftermath of the 2nd World War.

We don’t remember the war. But we do remember what hope is. We remember feeling like the country had finally been given back to us. We remember believing that things can only get better.

Welcome to the show. We hope you can make it.

Written and directed by Steven Dykes
Original Cast: Louisa Ashley, Clare Duffy, Liz Margree, J Spooner, Chris Thorpe, Paul Warwick.
Designed by Emma Williams
Lighting Design by Tim Skelly
Sound by Steven Dykes

Reproduced with The North Wall in 2007 for that venue’s inaugural production.

2007 Cast: Sarah Belcher, Clare Duffy, Lucy Ellinson, Gareth Kieran Jones, J Spooner, Chris Thorpe.
Designed by Emma Williams
Lighting by Ric Mountjoy
Stage Management by Jodie Brooke-Woolhouse
Sound design by Gareth Fry
Lindy Hop taught by Sue Freeman