Stars of EastEnders and Brigerton are performing in an emotional new show at Flintshire's Theatr Clwyd.
Focusing on the stages of grief and the ways we find to cope, exploring love, friendship and human connection, Lava is set in the aftermath of a natural disaster which has struck London.
The production, a co-production from bold new writing company Fifth Word and Nottingham Playhouse, has an added poignancy in light of our experiences during the pandemic.
In a small town far from the capital, a young man called Vin can no longer speak. Is it shock? Grief? Or something else? While Vin's mum Vicky is struggling with a loss of her own, his friend Rach is determined to help him find a way out of silence. But when Rach's family take in a charismatic and articulate survivor of the asteroid disaster, who thinks talking - or even singing - about your suffering is the way to heal, Vin's plight is suddenly eclipsed.
Lava, performing at Theatr Clwyd. Photo: Robert Day
Lava considers what happens to those who can't express themselves in a world that celebrates self-expression, and looks at the lengths we will go to, to make sense of our sadness.
The cast includes household name Kacey Ainsworth (Vicky) most well-known for time as Little Mo on EastEnders but who also performed in Grantchester. Joining her is Oli Higginson (Jamie) whose previous credits include Bridgerton and BBC1's The Pursuit of Love. Bethany Antonia will take on the role of Rach, star of Netflix series Stay Close and finally Dan Parr will bring life to the role of Vin.
Writer James Fritz said: "We've waited a long time for this. We were supposed to share Lava with audiences back in 2020, before the pandemic, so I'm excited to see how people respond to the play in the very different world of 2022.
"At its heart Lava is about four people looking for healing and connection in the wake of a national tragedy, which feels like a good story to be telling after everything we've been through. But more importantly, Fifth Word's production is so funny, hopeful and full of beautiful moments that I can't wait for people to see it. It's been a long time coming."
• Lava will be performed at Theatr Clwyd on May 4 in the Theatr Mix. Tickets are from £10. Booking available at www.theatrclwyd.com or by calling the box office on 01352 344101.
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