Tapped

Can anyone really be their ‘best selves’ all the time?

Tapped is a heart warming comedy that explores the importance of connection, fulfilment and (lack of) hope. In Stapleford, Nottingham, aka Stabbo, we meet Gavi, Jen and Bev at an amateur self-help group who all share one commonality; they’re desperate for escapism. Tapped is a witty and sensitive portrayal of managing mental health within a family, recognising the complexities of grief, and learning how to find humour in our flaws. We all make mistakes and none of us have all the answers, so if we can’t laugh, and eat too many club biscuits along the way, what’s the point in any of it?

A play about fears, hopes, having big dreams in small places and how the idea of change is far easier said than done.

Gavi wants to inspire his community. Which is tricky when everyone just wants to order Deliveroo and watch Gogglebox. Adamant he’s going to succeed with his mission, Gavi starts holding motivational meetings for his fellow Co-op colleagues. With the help of daily mantras, goal setting and repeatedly listening to Spandau Ballet, he believes their lives will change for the better. However, when the only two attendees are bickering mother and daughter Bev and Jen, it’s not quite the enlightening experience they all thought it would be. Bev wants more from life, Jen wants a brand new life and Gavi just wants Jen in his life; But there’s only so much ‘positive visualisation’ they can all do before simply facing up to the painful reality of what’s really going on.

Piers Black (Ransack Theatre, Catching Comets) directs the premiere of Katie Redford’s hilarious and honest debut play. Presented by Theatre503 and Bethany Cooper Productions.