I have lived in a few different places over the years, but I am very happy that Norwich is where I have settled for a few decades now. The shows that Crude Apache have put before us for many years are a big part of why I like living here. They craft fine shows that are always packed with pathos, humour and pace and often give us a wonderful insight into the many communities of Norwich and Norfolk.

It can be tempting for a playwright to veer too much towards the polemic when opening a window on some of the tougher bits of social history, but Joanna Swan has crafted a masterpiece of theatrical writing with strong characters, a complex but clear plot and a powerful narrative helped along by a rather jolly musical accompaniment.

If you come from foreign parts like London or Essex you may struggle at first with the pronounced Norfolk dialect and turn of phrase but concentrate and you will find a rich depth of expression within the dialogue. This is a show rooted in Norwich and Norfolk history while also telling a tale of new beginnings in Australia.

Susannah Holmes (Elizabeth Catavitello) is imprisoned for burglary, where she meets Henry Cable (Cesare Catavitello) also in for burglary. They fall in love and soon a little Henry comes along, shortly before their transportation to Australia is enforced. On the ship the baby is denied passage and taken from the mother, but sympathetic turnkey or prison warder John Simpson intervenes and calls directly upon Lord Sydney to enable the couple to marry and keep young Henry with them on their voyage to the colonies. Russell J Turner gives a magnificent performance as the unexpectedly kind hearted jailer.

There are a number of other stories and characters alongside the main plot that give a great deal of depth and warmth to the play. One side story whisks us forward to modern times as later descendants of the Cables visit Norwich Castle to find out more about their ancestors. This gives scope for some very funny scenes – the receptionists at the Castle Museum may not enjoy how they are depicted. The many communities of modern Norwich are reflected in a diverse cast who bring extra nuances to the performance, helping us to reflect on the way we all benefit from the local tradition of welcoming strangers to our city and sharing their cultural wealth. The music from Jo Worley and Nick Sanchez-Ray helps to build an atmosphere with the whole cast singing with them to round off the show.

Crude Apache are good at making any space their auditorium, and tonight’s show in Wensum Community Centre makes the best use of this friendly location with some well timed lighting control and a handy little bar.

Overall a strong cast and crisp direction from Lucy Stevens make Joanna’s work into a compelling and very enjoyable drama that will send you home uplifted and happy.

© Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye
26 June 2025

FARTHER GROUND opens THIS WEEK running from Thursday 26th June to Sunday 28th June. Shows at 7-30pm except for the Sunday which is at 4pm. Book on this link:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/crude-apache-theatre-company

For more information: https://crudeapache.wordpress.com