Parker Graham presents
TRESTLE
By Stewart Pringle
Directed by Matthew Parker
“We’re not here forever. You’ve got to take a chance from time to time. Sometimes you’ve got to see something you like and grab hold. Don’t let it go.”
Harry feels like life is beginning to tick down, his autumn years spent quietly caring for the community he loves. Denise thinks life begins in retirement and she’s dancing like she’s still at high school. When their paths cross unexpectedly at the village hall, their understanding of the time they have left changes irrevocably. Trestle is a warm hearted, funny and moving comic drama about two retired people brought together each week and begin to share their lives, loves, hopes… and dealing with a trestle table.
Winner of the 2017 Papatango New Writing Prize, Trestle is written by Stewart Pringle (RSC, Royal Court, National Theatre Studio). The 2021 production, directed by multi award winner Matthew Parker (Best Director OFFIE Awards 2023), garnered four OFFIE Award nominations including Best Production and was a Finalist at The London Pub Theatre Awards. New theatre company Parker Graham are excited to revive Trestle at The Jack Studio Theatre in 2025, once more under the direction of Matthew Parker reuniting with Jilly Bond (National Theatre, Birmingham Rep) and Timothy Harker (Witness For The Prosecution, Call The Midwife) in their OFFIE award nominated performances as Denise and Harry.
This production was nominated for a London Pub Theatres Standing Ovation Award, the citation of which particularly highlighted and praised Matthew Parker’s direction.
Cast
- Denise: Jilly Bond
- Harry: Timothy Harker
Creatives
- Writer: Stewart Pringle
- Producer: Parker Graham
- Director: Matthew Parker
- Set, Sound & AV Designer: Andy Graham
- Lighting Designer: Laurel Marks
- Costume Designer: Delga Martineau
- Stage Manager: Charlie Heptinstall
- Graphic Design: Luke Adamson & Karl Swinyard
- Production Photography: Ross Kernahan
Superb acting, writing and direction make Trestle a real treat
Director Matthew Parker’s strong direction allows the pair to move fluidly around the space
Expertly navigated by director Matthew Parker, the scenes are allowed to breathe
In incredibly nuanced work by the two leads that shows sentiment without being sentimental
Matthew Parker’s smart direction creates a gentle rhythm as each weekly encounter is marked
The acting in Trestle is strong throughout
Trestle directed by Matthew Parker is charming
Under the astute eye of Matthew Parker’s direction, Timothy Harker and Jilly Bond play out this developing connection beautifully
Under the direction of Matthew Parker, this simple yet deeply resonant storytelling becomes even more impactful within this intimate setting
