“I’m Bobbie. As in Bobbie Dazzler, my Nan says, although I don’t know who that is. And this is my brother Hench. He’s got a face for radio.”
Hench is 16, Bobbie is 13. They’re home alone in Feltham with their dog Taliban; playing PlayStation, streaming porn, watching the world go by. Sometimes their mum Maggie visits, usually with empty pockets and empty promises.
Then Jenny shows up.
YEN explores a childhood lived without boundaries and the consequences of being forced to grow up on your own.
YEN @ MCC, Lucille Lortel Theatre, New York, January 2017.
Yen was directed by Trip Cullman (Punk Rock, MCC) and starred Lucas Hedges (Manchester By The Sea), Justice Smith (The Get Down), Ari Graynor (The Sopranos), Stefania LaVie Owen (Chance) and Jack Di Falco.
★★★★ – Time Out
An expert anatomy of an adolescent on the edge of explosion. – New York Times
A terrific, breakneck new play… a wild ride. – Vulture
YEN @ The Royal Court, January 2016
Directed by Ned Bennett. Cast: Alex Austin, Sian Breckin, Jake Davies, Annes Elwy. Designed by Georgia Lowe.
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ‘A moving account of the redemptive power of love.’
The Guardian | Michael Billington | Read the full review
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ‘Terrifying, witty, and compassionate.’
The Independent | Paul Taylor | Read the full review
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ‘Savage, completely devastating”
Time Out | Alice Saville | Read the full review
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ’Zinging dialogue, unforgettable staging;
The Observer | Susannah Clapp | Read the full review
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ‘Hits like a fist.’
The Stage | Natasha Tripney | Read the full review
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ‘Exceptional. I now long to see more plays from Jordan’s pen.’
The Arts Desk | Aleks Sierz | Read the full review
YEN @ The Royal Exchange, February 2015
Anna’s play YEN won the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2013. It opened at The Royal Exchange Manchester, directed by Ned Bennett, on 18th February 2015.
★★★★★ “Extraordinary” – The Guardian
★★★★★ “Unforgettable” - Manchester Evening News
★★★★★ “Captivating”- The Good Review
★★★★★ “Triumph”- The Public Reviews
★★★★★ “Phenomenal” – Upstaged Manchester
★★★★ “Gripping” – The Stage
★★★★ “Moving” – Remote Goat
Alex Austin – Photo: Jonathan Keenan
Cast: Alex Austin, Sian Breckin, Jake Davies, Annes Elwy. Designed by Georgia Lowe.
18th February – 7th March – plays Mon – Sat, 7.30 (8pm on Sat). Matinees Thurs & Sat.
£12 / £10 Book here.