Rugby Theatre's Black Box Productions

Mum Comes To Dinner by Nicholas Marsh. Photo courtesy of Rugby Theatre.

As part of Rugby’s Fringe Week Black Box Productions present three new one-act plays for one night only – 7 May 2026 at Rugby Theatre, including new work from their Rugby Theatre Writers’ Group.

Review by Ann Evans

There was an excellent turn out to support this year’s Black Box Productions, which brings us new plays from local writers, in the stripped back theatre using the bare minimum of props and scenery. Black Box provides an opportunity each year not just for local writers but also newer show directors and budding actors to experience the production of a play on the big stage to an audience.

Last night’s show brought three new plays to the Rugby stage:

First up was Mum Comes to Dinner, written by Nicholas Marsh, directed by Debbie Hibberd. The curtains open to a normal domestic scene, the table is set for dinner, husband Andy is expecting a nice quiet night in on his wife’s birthday. Wife, Emma, however, is excited that her mum is coming to dinner who they haven’t seen since Covid. Mum arrives and Emma is very emotional at seeing her again. Andy, however, has a completely different outlook on the situation – which he shows in a sudden and shocking way. No spoilers, even though this was a ‘one night only’ production I’m sure Nicholas Marsh’s very enjoyable new play will have plenty more airings.

Day of Judgement written by Michael Lynch.

For the second play of the night, we found ourselves in court at the trial of someone we all know – God! The audience were the jury deciding if he was guilty or not of the accusations put to him. Day of Judgement, written by Michael Lynch, directed by Mark Rumsey, listed a string of accusations affecting all of humanity. One by one, the barrister called for experts in their field to give their evidence; all the while God remained silent. There were some good strong speeches in this play – including God’s when we, the jury gave our verdict. A very interesting concept, and strong arguments put forward by writer Michael Lynch.

12HR Life written by Robert Scott. Image courtesy of Rugby Theatre.

The third and final play of the evening was 12hr Life written by Robert Scott, directed by Bev Avis-Dakin. The opening scene was the Buffet at a railway station. A man and a woman – strangers, sat sipping coffee waiting for their trains. After the man, Dylon, answers a phone call from his wife, the woman, Samantha, comments on it. Their conversation continues, awkwardly at first, but gradually they discover things about themselves they had never realised. Their intended journeys take a completely different turn, and they spend the day on a random train together, ending up at a random town, but talking openly, revealing their innermost selves, and finding a closeness neither expected. But the day had to finish, and they both had to return to their normal lives – but would things ever be the same again? No spoilers but an ending that the audience loved!

So, three very enjoyable plays, each different from the other. Three excellent, well-written scripts, well presented by all the cast members, with strong direction from the play directors, and all part of Rugby Theatre’s Fringe Week which runs until 10 May. Book your tickets for more original entertainment. Contact the Box Office on 01788 541234 or visit: www.rugbytheatre.co.uk