A new play by Mike Kenny, created from the testimonies of the Medomsley boys. Directed by Jenny Sealey.
A Graeae production in association with Live Theatre.
A story of oppression and resilience.
Bad Lads tells the gripping and devastating true story of the boys held at Medomsley Youth Detention Centre in County Durham in the 1980s. Sold to the public as a “short, sharp shock” for wayward youth, the reality hid something much darker.
At a time when the cry for accountability is louder than ever, Bad Lads demands remembrance and calls for justice for these working-class men.
All shows will integrate British Sign Language (BSL), audio description, creative captions and presented in a relaxed environment.
We’re opening at Live Theatre, Newcastle from 2 – 11 October then touring to:
15 – 18 October – Theatre Royal Plymouth
23 – 25 October – Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol
5 – 6 November – Unity Liverpool
7 – 8 November – Derby Theatre
11 – 12 November – Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
14 – 15 November – ARC Stockton Arts Centre
Warnings:
This show is 16+
Bad Lads contains descriptions of physical and sexual assault.
Testimonial
We are very privileged the men have trusted Graeae to take care of them yet not shy away from the truth.
People
The Creatives
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Jenny Sealey
DirectorJenny Sealey
Director -
Mike Kenny
WriterMike Kenny
WriterMike Kenny, one of England’s leading playwrights, specialises in theatre for young people and families. He was included in the Independent on Sunday’s list of Top Ten Living UK Playwrights and his plays are performed and have won awards all over the world.
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Lucía Sánchez
Lighting DesignLucía Sánchez
Lighting Design -
Roma Yagnik
Sound DesignRoma Yagnik
Sound Design -
Virginie Taylor
Captions and Video DesignVirginie Taylor
Captions and Video Design
People
The Cast
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Danny Raynor
Older JackieDanny Raynor
Older JackieOver the years Danny has worked with RSC, Live Theatre, Bolton Octagon, York Theatre Royal and the BBC among other companies. His most recent credits include the television drama I Fought the Law (Hera Pictures/ITV), the film Not All Men (DalyDarby Media) and the theatre production A Way Home (CaroleW Productions).
Danny is currently writing a one-man play (Mr Romantic) that he will perform at Laurels Theatre in 2026.
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Robin Paley Yorke
Younger JackieRobin Paley Yorke
Younger JackieTraining: BA European Theatre Arts and MA Ensemble Theatre at Rose Bruford College and Creación at ESAD, Murcia.
Recent Theatre Credits: Billy Elliot (CURVE); The Three Bears (Kitchen Zoo); If You Fall (Ad Infinitum); States of Mind (Extant); The Unlocked Door (November Club); Evros (Seemia Theatre’s UK Tour and Kampala International Theatre Festival); REFRAIN (Verity Standen); Interval (Justyna Scheuring at Venice Biennale & SPILL Festival); Studying Hamlet (Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival); Bankers (Alphabetti); Fatherland (Frantic Assembly).
Recent Workshops: Otto Weidt’s Brush & Broom Workshop for the Blind (Leeds Playhouse & JW3); Painting The Town (New Wimbledon Theatre); Everything That’s The Case (Seemia Theatre at Barbican).
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Craig Painting
Performance InterpreterCraig Painting
Performance InterpreterCraig is a NRCPD-registered BSL interpreter and actor working across theatre, television, and
film. He is thrilled to be returning to work with Graeae, following last year’s tour of Romeo & Juliet
as an integrated performance interpreter. Recent credits include Opera North’s The Magic Flute,
where BSL was placed at the heart of the production, alongside advocacy for greater Deaf
representation in traditional theatre spaces.As an actor, Craig has worked with BSL Zone (now LumoTV), Leeds Playhouse, Derby Theatre,
Ramps on the Moon, and more. Stage credits include Oliver Twist, Mr Snow, Jekyll & Hyde, and
The Jungle Book. Screen work includes Falling (Channel 4), DI Ray (ITV), Doctors (BBC), and Just
Charlie (Seahorse Films).craigpainting.co.uk