I Am Bastard I Am War - Play In The Chamber - One Night Only
An intimate theatre production staged inside the historic Chamber Rooms at OYEZ Arts, Altrincham Town Hall as part of the Altrincham Storytelling Festival.
★★★★★ “As lyrical as it is poignant”
— Reader reviews
“The drums are beating, and the masters are meeting… ”
It is another day in the meeting room, but this meeting is no ordinary one.
A Father leaves knowing what he cannot bear to say.
A Mother pleads against what cannot be stopped.
A Son dreams of a glory claimed by more than one story.
A Leader calmly discusses the next move.
None of them stands apart from what is coming.
Each, in their own way, has accepted it, followed it, or chosen the path that leads to it.
Tense, lyrical, this new play examines how private choices become public consequences — and how embedded thoughts keep rising again.
Will these connected events continue to give rise to the same Bastard?
Written by Alan Forrest Smith and directed by Nigel Harvey.
An intimate performance with limited seating
🎭 One night only
🎟️ Limited audience capacity
📍 OYEZ Arts — Chamber Rooms, Altrincham Town Hall
📅 20 June 2026
🎟️ Limited audience capacity — secure tickets early.
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you still require assistance don’t hesitate to contact us below.
Your Questions, Answered-
You will receive an email acknowledging the purchase which will contain the details of your chosen event.
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Once you’ve booked your festival pass, simply email us with your chosen performance or workshop, and we’ll reserve your seat. Please email: tamara@alanforrestsmith.com
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Refunds are only offered if a performance is cancelled. Due to limited availability and the intimate nature of the performances, tickets cannot be exchanged.
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Tickets cannot be resold via unauthorised third-party sellers. Tickets sold through unauthorised channels may be cancelled without refund.
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We use e-tickets, which will be delivered to your email address. Please present your ticket at the door.
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Unless otherwise stated, performances are suitable for ages 15+. Please refer to each event page for specific guidance.
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There are no hidden fees when purchasing tickets directly via our website. Third-party agents may charge additional fees.
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The organisers reserve the right to:
Refuse admission or ask audience members to leave
Deny latecomers entry or delay entry until a suitable break
Cancel performances due to cast illness or unforeseen circumstances (liability limited to a refund or exchange)
Provide content advisories online and via email in advance of the performance
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Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the bar, provided by Oyez Arts.
Storytelling Through Illustration – Children’s Workshop
A Visual Storytelling & Illustration Workshop for Children, Culminating in a Festival Exhibition of Their Work
With Deniz Ferhatoglu, artist and illustrator
Saturday 20 June · 12:00 - 1.15 PM
Price: £14.99
Age: 6+
This workshop will invite children to create an illustration using the word “courage” as a prompt. Through colour, line, symbolism, and composition, they will have the opportunity to push the limits of their imagination and observe the ways in which their interpretation of a concept can differ from (or be surprisingly similar to) other children’s.
Children will:
Learn what illustration is and how it can be used to tell a story.
Explore the basic elements of simple and effective visual communication.
Be encouraged to dig deeper within themselves and draw from events, memories, and experiences to create an illustration that tells an interesting and relatable story.
Experience mini peer critique and observe the ways in which their interpretation of a concept can differ from (or be surprisingly similar to) other children’s.
Places are limited, reserve them now.
The Tableau Technique: Building a Story for the Stage
A practical approach to structuring performance from the first moment to the final resolution
A conversation with Nigel Harvey from Nigel Harvey Productions
Sunday 21 June · 12:00 -1.00 PM
Every piece of theatre works because of structure.
Join Nigel Harvey, a creative director, as he introduces his five-step Tableau Technique: a clear and practical way to build performance.
You Will Discover:
How to establish the fundamentals of storytelling in a theatre.
How to develop the narrative.
How to identify the characters and their motivations.
How to create tension, and how to bring the story to a climax.
Why you should identify how the characters react, and what those reactions reveal.
and how to tell the entire story that the audience understands.
And how to use The Tableau Method to uncover the creativity.
What You Will Gain:
A practical way to structure and build performance — one that supports creativity while ensuring the story remains clear, dynamic, and engaging for an audience.
Who is it for?
Simply curious, performers, directors, writers, and theatre-makers, students, if you want to enhance your storytelling in any form and want to create work that connects and holds an audience, this is for you.
How to turn stories, memories, and imagination into books that live forever
A conversation with Tamara Forrest-Smith of Master And Man Books, followed by Q&A
Sunday 21 June · 1:15 -2.15 PM
Everyone has a story to tell.
It might come from your life, your work, your imagination, your family history, or something you simply feel needs to be shared. But turning an idea into a real book can often feel overwhelming — and many people never know where to begin.
This informal and interactive session explores the journey from idea to published book. Drawing on real publishing experience, Tamara Forrest-Smith will talk about writing, shaping, publishing, and sharing stories that matter.
Whether you are interested in writing fiction, memoir, poetry, children’s books, or something entirely your own, this session offers insight, encouragement, and a clearer understanding of how books are brought into the world.
Who is it for?
If you are interested in writing, publishing, storytelling, or finally beginning the book you’ve always wanted to create, do not miss this workshop.
How movement, image, colour, and silence shape powerful stories
A creative workshop and screening with Barry J. C. Purves, followed by Q&A
Sunday 21 June · 2.30 - 3.30
Join acclaimed animator and director Barry Purves for a unique session exploring how powerful stories can be told through animation and film.
Explore
How visual storytelling creates emotional impact
The importance of rhythm, colour, and movement
Why fewer words can often say more
How animation can communicate ideas beyond live performance
The hidden layers audiences often miss on first viewing
Who is it for?
Whether you’re simply curious about storytelling, or you’re a filmmaker, animator, writer, theatre-maker, artist, student, or anyone passionate about visual storytelling and the creative process, this promises to be an unmissable workshop.
Limited Ticket Availability - Reserve your place now
