PAUL SAVIDENT

The Bush Theatre presents the World Premiere of Steve Thompson's Damages, directed by Roxana Silbert, from Wednesday 2 June through Friday 23 July 2004.

“It’s not in the public interest just because it interests the public”

Deep in the bowels of a tabloid newspaper office, the clock is ticking with only an hour left before the presses have to roll…

A controversial photo of a topless children’s TV star has mysteriously turned up. Who sent it? Why? And is it really all it seems? This sensational photo poses a moral conundrum, exposing deceit, lies and a darker secret that mustn’t be revealed at any cost.

Front page scoop or crushing libel settlement in disguise? They must decide now: play it safe, or publish and be damned. It’s time for the ink to hit the paper and the shit to hit the fan…

Is a celebrity entitled to privacy or are they fair game for feeding time at the tabloid zoo? Damages is a witty and contemporary (im)morality tale of power-hungry hacks, suicidal sub editors and razor-sharp lawyers, trying to put the past and the paper to bed.

Steve Thompson trained at the RADA playwrights’ course. His first original work Spincycle was performed at The Hampton Hill Playhouse in spring 2003. Damages is Steve’s first professionally produced play, and was commissioned by The Bush Theatre with the support of The Peggy Ramsay Foundation Award 2002.

THE BUSH THEATRE

Shepherds bush greeN, london, w12 8qd

BOX OFFICE: 020 7610 4224 (no booking fee)

On-line Bookings: www.bushtheatre.co.uk (24hr and up to 4pm on day of performance)

Performance Times: Monday to Saturday at 8pm except Press Night 4 June 7pm

Theatre: The Bush Theatre, Shepherds Bush, London, W12 8QD

Ticket Prices: Previews 2 & 3 June - £11 (£8 concessions)

Performances from 4 June - £13.50 (£9 concessions)

Bush Push Nights (8 & 9 June) - Students £6

Group discounts available – call box office for details.

Transportation: Nearest Tube - Shepherds Bush (Central Line) or Goldhawk Road (Hammersmith & City Line)

Bus - 49, 72, 94, 95, 207, 220, 237, 260, 283, 295, 607 (Mobility Bus routes italicised)