Things I Know to Be True at Tower Theatre Hackney

Key Points

• “Things I Know to be True” will run for 11 performances at the Tower Theatre on Northwold Road, Stoke Newington, from 21 to 31 January.
• Directed by Rosanna Preston, the play portrays the story of parents Bob and Fran raising four children in their family home.
• Tensions surface when youngest daughter Rosie returns unexpectedly from a Europe trip.
• Set over one year, it examines familial love tested by clashing old values and modern realities, culminating in a life-changing event.
• Explores themes of love, self-identity, and growing up, described by Tower Theatre as a “touching and intimate portrayal of real family life”.
• Tickets available at www.towertheatre.org.uk/things, priced £9 to £15, with half-price on opening night.
• Originally a collaboration between State Theatre Company South Australia and Frantic Assembly; successful tours in Australia and UK; revived at Lyric Hammersmith in 2017.
• Rosanna Preston’s second directorial outing at Tower Theatre; previously directed Prodigal (Nick Hern Shorts) and Visitors (Woodhouse Players); recently acted in The Children at Tower.
• The Guardian awarded four stars to Dunstan Playhouse (Adelaide) production: “Things I Know To Be True is a snapshot of life… beating its way steadily through the work is the low-level fears we all must live with: that we love too much, or that we don’t love enough.”
• The Telegraph gave five stars to Lyric Hammersmith production, calling it “a thing of beauty”.

A touching family drama, Things I Know to be True, arrives at the Tower Theatre in Stoke Newington, Hackney, later this month for an 11-performance run from 21 to 31 January. Directed by experienced local talent Rosanna Preston, the production promises an intimate exploration of family tensions sparked by the unexpected return of the youngest daughter. Tickets, priced between £9 and £15 with half-price on opening night, are available now at www.towertheatre.org.uk/things.

What Is the Plot of Things I Know to be True?

The play centres on Bob and Fran, devoted parents who have raised four children in their family home. As reported by staff writer at London Now, the story unfolds when their youngest daughter, Rosie, returns unexpectedly from a trip around Europe, causing long-buried tensions to surface. Set over the course of a year, it depicts how familial love is tested as old values clash with modern realities, building towards a final, life-changing event.

London Now describes the narrative as examining the ways in which family bonds strain under evolving circumstances. Tower Theatre publicity materials echo this, labelling it a “touching and intimate portrayal of real family life” that delves into universal struggles.

Who Is Directing the Tower Theatre Production?

Rosanna Preston directs this latest staging, marking her second time at the helm for the Tower Theatre. According to London Now, Ms Preston previously directed Prodigal as part of the theatre’s Nick Hern Shorts evening and Visitors with the Woodhouse Players. She also recently appeared as an actor in The Children at the same venue, showcasing her versatility in North London’s theatre scene.

Ms Preston brings fresh insight to the production, building on the play’s established reputation. Tower Theatre notes her return as a highlight for local audiences familiar with her prior contributions.

What Are the Key Themes Explored in the Play?

Things I Know to be True tackles profound themes of love, self-identity, and growing up. London Now highlights how the drama portrays the push-and-pull between parental expectations and children’s independence, all framed within everyday family dynamics. The Tower Theatre emphasises its emotional depth, offering audiences a mirror to their own relational complexities.

Critics have praised its layered approach. The production captures the messiness of life, where personal growth often disrupts harmony.

Where and When Can Audiences See the Production?

Performances run at the Tower Theatre, Northwold Road, Stoke Newington, from Tuesday 21 January to Saturday 31 January, totalling 11 shows. London Now confirms the intimate venue suits the play’s close-knit family focus. Booking is straightforward via www.towertheatre.org.uk/things.

Ticket prices range from £9 to £15, with all seats half-price on opening night, making it accessible for Hackney residents and visitors alike. This pricing strategy, as noted by the theatre, encourages early attendance.

What Is the Background of Things I Know to be True?

Originally developed as a collaboration between State Theatre Company South Australia and Frantic Assembly, the play has enjoyed successful tours across Australia and the UK. London Now reports its revival at the Lyric Hammersmith in 2017, cementing its status as a modern classic. The script, penned by Andrew Bovell, draws from authentic emotional landscapes.

This Tower Theatre version continues that legacy, adapted for a local audience in Stoke Newington.

How Have Critics Reviewed Previous Productions?

The Guardian awarded the Dunstan Playhouse production in Adelaide four stars. As reported by The Guardian critic,

“Things I Know To Be True is a snapshot of life, and like life it comes with countless themes. Audiences will pull out different strands and different stories to focus on. But ultimately beating its way steadily through the work is the low-level fears we all must live with: that we love too much, or that we don’t love enough.”

The Telegraph gave the Lyric Hammersmith staging five stars, with the reviewer calling it “a thing of beauty”. London Now cites these accolades as indicators of the quality awaiting Tower Theatre patrons.

Why Is This Production Significant for Stoke Newington?

Stoke Newington’s Tower Theatre gains prominence with this intimate drama, spotlighting local director Rosanna Preston’s return. London Now positions it as a key cultural event for Hackney borough, blending universal storytelling with community ties. The 11-performance run fills a January gap in local arts offerings.

Past Preston-directed works like Prodigal and Visitors have built her reputation here, as per theatre records cited by London Now. Her dual role as actor and director in The Children further endears her to regulars.

Who Are the Characters in the Family Drama?

At the heart are parents Bob and Fran, navigating the aftermath of child-rearing. London Now details their four children, with Rosie’s return as the catalyst. Each family member embodies clashes between tradition and change, though specific actor castings remain unannounced in initial coverage.

The ensemble format suits the Tower Theatre’s stage, fostering proximity between performers and viewers.

How Does the Play Structure Its Storytelling?

Spanning one year, the narrative layers revelations progressively. London Now explains the build-up from Rosie’s arrival to the climactic event, mirroring life’s unpredictability. This temporal arc allows deep dives into relational shifts.

Frantic Assembly’s influence adds physicality, enhancing emotional beats, as seen in prior tours.

What Makes Tower Theatre a Fitting Venue?

Located on Northwold Road in Stoke Newington, the Tower Theatre specialises in intimate productions. London Now underscores its suitability for family dramas like this, with a history of hosting Preston’s works. The venue’s community focus aligns with the play’s themes.

Half-price opening night tickets incentivise turnout, per theatre announcements.

Are There Any Special Ticket Offers Available?

Yes, all tickets are half-price on opening night, 21 January. Standard pricing spans £9 to £15 for remaining dates. London Now advises prompt booking via the official site to secure seats.

This model broadens access, reflecting the theatre’s inclusive ethos.

What Is Rosanna Preston’s Experience at Tower Theatre?

Ms Preston’s prior directorial efforts include Prodigal in the Nick Hern Shorts evening and Visitors with Woodhouse Players. London Now notes her recent acting role in The Children. This production solidifies her as a Tower mainstay.

Her familiarity ensures polished execution.

How Does the Play Connect Australian Origins to UK Stages?

Born from State Theatre Company South Australia and Frantic Assembly, it toured both nations successfully. The 2017 Lyric Hammersmith revival, praised by The Telegraph, brought it to prominence. London Now links this lineage to the current Hackney staging.

Criticisms like The Guardian’s affirm its cross-cultural resonance.

Why Choose Things I Know to be True for January Viewing?

January’s post-holiday lull suits reflective family tales. London Now frames it as a heartfelt start to the year in Stoke Newington. Themes of love and identity resonate universally.

Local buzz positions it as unmissable.