"Steven, recently separated and heading towards divorce, bumps into an old friend on the journey to a job interview. A complex recent past and a fragile present collide, as Steven tries to make sense of the world around him and his place within it. We accelerate headlong into Stevens chaotic and troubled inner life, as the everyday encounter unravels into something dark, disturbing and unrestrained.Following the acclaimed Out Of The Cage, Alex McSweeney returns with this powerful contemporary story, to bring you an emotionally gripping, darkly funny, and visually dynamic portrayal of the mind. Distance is an urgent examination of mental illness, and its impact on the individual, their family, and the society around them."
Alex McSweeney is an actor, playwright and director. His writing/directing credits include A Hero Of Our Time (Rose Theatre Kingston) and Best Men/Between Women. As an actor he has worked extensively across television, film and theatre, including regular collaborations with Steven Berkoff including on On The Waterfront (Nottingham Playhouse and Theatre Royal Haymarket) and Oedipus (Liverpool Playhouse).
"Lucid, powerfully performed and visually compelling exploration of mental health in men' ★★★★ The Stage
'The dialogue is incredibly sharp, a beautiful poetry full of wit and life' ★★★★ The Upcoming
'inventive and engrossing drama
with very funny dialogue' ★★★★ Stage Review
'Unique, timely and intelligent.' ★★★★ Arthur's Seat
'An utterly compelling and gripping slice of life... One of the most innovative and original sets Ive seen on stage' ★★★★ LondonTheatre1
'Laugh-out-loud entertaining and heartbreakingly honest' ★★★★ The Spy In The Stalls
'Moving poetry of the stage... These are delights and worth your investigation and admiration' British Theatre Guide
'An engaging and visually interesting exploration of modern masculinity and mental health that feels contemporary and important' Reviews Hub
'An important, timely and noble project' Londonist
'Brilliantly acted and originally staged... a courageous, disturbing and moving play' London Theatre Reviews"