Happy Families

Written and directed by the Chainers Youth Theatre

“I don’t blame her for abandoning us, but I don’t know why she did.”

HAPPY FAMILIES was a historical play by The Chainers Youth Theatre, telling the life of Emma Hawes, a Victorian woman trying to get by in poverty stricken Ipswich.

Emma’s daughter, Mary, voices how unsure she is about attending her mother’s funeral. While listening too often contradictory and downright ridiculous tales delivered by her family and friends, she discovers that despite being surrounded by calamity, Emma might not have been as bad as she thought.

This exciting take on local heritage explored how people were, and still are, quick to judge those who have fallen on hard times. The play takes its historical storytelling to the extreme, with a cast of colourful characters and unique styles of storytelling.

This piece was written, directed, and performed by The Chainers Youth Theatre, and followed their previous success with Outcast, which they performed to sell out audiences the previous year.

Photos and reviews

“an engaging historical performance with a brilliant cast  and a remarkable story. I’m very excited to see what happens next.“

The Gazette, Zach Scutcher

“The sheer enjoyment of the cast was a joy for the audience to behold! Such a talented group of young people.“

Audience member

“The Chainers have done it again. What an incredible show.“

Audience member