Alan Partridge’s long-suffering assistant, Lynn Benfield provides the inspiration for a punk band in a hilarious new play, Lynn Faces, co-commissioned by Norwich Theatre.
Nearing 40, painfully shy, and emerging from a toxic break-up, Leah forms a punk band inspired by Lynn and takes to the stage despite her lack of musical ability. Will this gig push Leah further over the edge, or help her regain her confidence and find the hope she needs to move on?
Lynn Faces is a funny, farcical and poignant new play, exploring the impact of abusive behaviour, the power of friendship and how silliness can be healing. It comes to Norwich Theatre Stage Two between 28 Jan – 1 Feb 2025 and is available to book now.
Sam Bain, Head of Programming & Producing at Norwich Theatre, said: “When I saw a short excerpt last year I knew Norwich Theatre had to put our support behind this play.
“Lynn Faces is a punk response to coercive control – it’s raw, it’s chaotic, it’s silly, it’s full of bewilderment and love and hope and a big middle finger to bad relationships everwhere. Hold onto your snazzy cardigans folks, the award-winning Lynn Faces is coming to Norwich!”
The show has been co-commissioned by Norwich Theatre with New Diorama Theatre, and Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Laura Horton said: “I can’t wait to bring Lynn Faces to Norwich, the home of Partridge. Since I invited Norwich Theatre to see a scratch of the show in 2023, I’ve felt so much support from the team. This story has been in my head for so long, It feels brilliant to finally be touring it.”
Laura Horton is a multi-award-winning writer and Plymouth Laureate of Words 2021-23, the first woman and playwright in the role. Her debut play Labyrinth Diet was an OFFCOMM winner in 2021.
Her follow-up Breathless was awarded the Pleasance Regional Partnership. It won a Fringe First, was a finalist for the Popcorn Award. The show enjoyed runs at Soho Theatre and in New York as part of Brits Off Broadway in 2023.
She has written several short plays. An associate of The Space, Laura launched digital projects Hidden by Things and Theatre Stories, for which she was in The Stage100. Laura also runs Bad Sex Writing workshops and shows.
Lynn Faces premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at Summerhall Festival last month to critical acclaim and received the Birds of Paradise Award for Exceptional Theatre.
★★★★
“The writing is sharp, the staging always demanding your attention.”
Broadway Baby
★★★★
“Wonderful homage to friendship.”
Theatre Weekly
★★★★
“Tremendously triumphant.”
British Theatre Guide
★★★★
“It’s still great to see work that is refreshing and different.”
Neurodiverse Review
Lynn Faces heads to Norwich Theatre Stage Two between 28 Jan – 1 Feb 2025. To book or to find out more, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office at 01603 630 000.
Book now!
