TWO prison inmates who fall in love is the theme for a new play coming to Reading’s Concert Hall next month.
Dante or Die is presenting Kiss Marry Kill, the story of Jay and Paul.
They were jailed for homophobic murders and now want to get married to each other.
The play is, Dante or Die says, the result of years of research, development, workshopping and focus groups. Now, it is taking it on a tour of the country, popping up in churches, chapels and halls.
Ten years ago this year, the first same-sex marriage took place in England, while it is nine since the first was conducted in a prison. Kiss Marry Kill is, Dante or Die says, an opportunity to take stock of how we regard love, incarceration, and the rights of those who’ve transgressed against their fellow humans.
Kiss Marry Kill features physical theatre and heart-thumping music with rapping by Lady Lykez, and aims to be a provocative and thought-provoking play that challenges preconceptions about compassion, sexuality and the criminal justice system
Cast member Frank Skully says the play is “putting that story on legs, showing it to the public – that’s amazing”.
Dante or Die are no strangers to Reading. They like performing theatre in unusual places:Take On Me was performed at South Reading Leisure Centre and User Not Found at The Dairy on Redlands Road.
The show features scenes of a sexual nature, nudity, violence and strong language, and is for people aged 16 and over.
It will be performed from Tuesday, April 30, through to Saturday, May 4.
Tickets cost £20, or £18 for South Street arts centre members.
For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: www.whatsonreading.com
