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The Effect

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    • Clinical romance between two volunteers..

    The Effect is a clinical romance. Two young volunteers, Tristan and Connie, agree to take part in a clinical drug trial. Succumbing to the gravitational pull of attraction and love, however, Tristan and Connie manage to throw the trial off-course, much to the frustration of the clinicians involved.

    This funny, moving and perhaps surprisingly human play explores questions of sanity, neurology and the limits of medicine, alongside ideas of fate, loyalty and the inevitability of physical attraction.

    The Effect is performed by our own theatre company, and directed by Emma Willatts. This show contains references to mental illness, and sexual language and actions.

    About Lucy Prebble

    Lucy Prebble is one of Britain’s most celebrated writers. She got her big break as a playwright with 2009’s Enron, a comedy about the Enron accounting scandal. Since then, she’s gone from success to success, with award-winning plays (The Effect, A Very Expensive Poison) and TV shows, including Secret Diary of a Call Girl, I Hate Suzie, and the Emmy-winning mammoth hit Succession.

    Following on from the critical and commercial success of Enron, The Effect delivers a vibrant theatrical exploration into the human brain via the heart. The world premiere was performed at the National Theatre’s Cottesloe Theatre from November 2012 to February 2013, starring Billie Piper and Jonjo O’Neill. And in 2023, The National Theatre saw Jamie Lloyd re-energise The Effect in his usual vivid style. Earning itself multiple 5 star reviews in both Whats On Stage and The Guardian. The Guardian selected The Effect as one of the highlights of ‘the best theatre for autumn 2012’ (02/09/2012)

    Member discount available

    Members get 40% off this production

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    The Effect

    Sat 12 - Mon 14 October

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    ART31

    ART31 takes its name from Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, which states that ‘Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities’.

    ART31 is a vision created with, by, and for young people in Kent, championing the belief that all children and young people have an entitlement to access high quality arts and culture, to empower them to achieve their creative potential, and to genuinely engage young people as equal partners in any decision making that affects them.

    The ART31 Youth Board is made up of young people from across Kent aged 13-25 who steer its governance, and influence policy and practice across the county and beyond, challenging the creative sector to examine existing ways of working and integrate young people into the core of their practice.

    Our projects with young people

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    ART31 Generate

    ART31 Generate is made up of young people from across Kent aged 13-25. They steer ART31's governance, influence arts policy and practice, and programme the annual GENFest Youth Takeover Festival.

    Youth Theatre

    Fantastic and fun sessions for ages 13-18 years, encouraging creativity and theatre-making skills.

    Live Streaming film equipment.

    SCREEN31

    Screen31 is a group for young people aged 15-25 interested in developing their film-making skills.
    TECH31

    TECH31

    TECH31 provides free practical training in technical theatre for ages 13 - 25
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    National Theatre Connections – Gulbenkian Young Company

    NT Connections is the National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre festival. Each year it offers a unique opportunity for youth theatres and school theatre groups to stage new plays written for young people by some of theatre’s most exciting playwrights, and to perform in leading theatres across the UK.
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    Gulbenkian Uncovered

    Are you enthusiastic, committed and creative? Gulbenkian Uncovered gives University of Kent students the chance to programme films and run events.

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    Square Pegs Arts

    Square Pegs Arts are an award winning charity who provide drama groups, music projects and other accessible Arts opportunities for children and young adults who have learning disabilities and autism, and produce original, inspiring, challenging Theatre. Difference is celebrated and everyone is supported to shine in their own way.
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    KRAN Fam

    KRAN Fam is a drama group in partnership with Kent Refugee Action Network for young refugees and asylum-seekers.

    Accessible Film Club

    Relaxed Screenings

    Monthly film screenings that are open to all, especially those with autism and learning disabilities.

    Young People - Screen31 ARTY31

    ARTY31

    Gulbenkian’s ARTY31 group is for young people aged 8-12 with a wide variety of arts interests.

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