Lucy Kirkwood returns to the Royal Court Theatre

Chimerica playwright Lucy Kirkwood returns to the Royal Court Theatre with her brand-new apocalyptic play, The Children. The winner of the 2005 PMA award, and former screenwriter for E4 series Skins, Kirkwood's work is renowned for its gritty realism and gripping social commentary. The Children follows the retirement of two nuclear scientists, quietly residing at an isolated coastal cottage whilst the world goes to chaos around them. Until one day they receive a knock at the door. Their old friend has sought them out, and he has a terrifying proposal for them both - will they be able to fulfill his wishes? Or will they retreat further from the world around them?

In a similar black comedy-style vein to her previous work Tinderbox, Kirkwood's new play explores humanity's individual responses to disaster and how we cope when all else seems lost.