The Children at Ilminster Warehouse

The Children by Lucy Kirkwood

Warehouse Theatre 11th to 14th June 2025

Directed by Dave Goodall

‘The Children’ is both epic and intimate, a gripping and funny thriller that highlights how the time to act is slipping through our fingers.

Hazel and Robin are retired nuclear Scientists living in a cottage just outside the exclusion zone of a nuclear reactor disaster – a nuclear reactor that they had some unspecified part in creating. They listen to Radio 4, speak regularly with their children and Hazel never misses a day of yoga practice. But their existence is far from cosy – electricity is rationed and there’s a Geiger counter to hand to check radiation levels.

When old friend and work colleague, Rose, visits out of the blue, they crack open the parsnip wine and reminisce. But uncomfortable memories resurface, and Rose’s shocking proposal threatens their entire future. All three are forced to confront how their life choices have affected each other, as well as future generations.

‘The Children’ is an award-winning play – Best play at the 2018 Writers Guild Awards, Tony Award 2018 Best Play Nomination and Top 3 in the Guardian’s  2019 Best Theatre Shows of the 21st Century.

This isn’t a play to miss!!