Overheard in A Tower Block

This play of OVERHEARD IN A TOWER BLOCK is based on the book OVERHEARD IN A TOWER BLOCK © 2017 written by Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Kate Milner and published by Otter-Barry Books.

Step into the life of a young boy growing up in the heart of a bustling city tower block.
From the laughter of neighbours to whispered secrets and moments of quiet woe, this story invites you to listen to the rhythms of life in a world filled with challenges and surprises.

Through vivid, thought-provoking poetry brought to life on stage, Joseph Coelho’s words paint a poignant and relatable picture of growing up. With themes of family, friendship, courage and self-discovery, this is a story about finding your way in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

Prepare to be moved, inspired and captivated.
‘Statues that sing for your flesh and blood; bullies who kick you under the table; and things that lurk in the library…
Growing up in a Tower Block can be full of surprises, even more so with a disappearing father and a Mermaid Queen Mother;
Gazing at the stars from five storeys up,
smelling the bins from five storeys below…
Overheard arguments.
Overheard laughter.’

A young boy’s coming-of-age story by the 2022-24 Children’s Laureate.

Overheard in a Tower Block Five Star review from The Stage “Tugs at the heartstrings ”

Credits
Written by Joseph Coelho
Directed by Samantha Lane
Directing Assistant Katherine Haw
Designed by Oliver Hymans & Dan Southwell
Lighting Design by Sherry Coenen
Associate Lighting Designer Ariane Nixon
Music Composed & Sound Designed by Ian Oakley
Stage Managed by Alex Bradford
Performed by Elliott Bornemann and Clarke Joseph-Edwards
Puppetry Trainee & Shadow Puppets – Gisela Mulindwa
Puppet Design Assistance from Gisela Mulindwa, Malika Joy, Marcus Crofton, Sasha Morant, Ash Appadu, Naomi Oppenheim and Clementine Alexander