Following a successful opening at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Pentabus Theatre presents the London premiére of White Open Spaces at Soho Theatre. In 2004, Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Commission for Race Equality asked if the countryside is guilty of a "passive apartheid" and suggested that there is an urban/rural divide in our attitude to race.

Ignited by this suggestion, a group of writers explored multiculturalism, environment and identity, whilst on retreat at The Hurst, the John Osborne Arvon Centre near Pentabus's base in rural Shropshire (a county which is 98.8% white.) Those involved were from diverse backgrounds - urban, rural and travelling - with different experiences and understanding of multiculturalism. The resulting monologues uncover the complex layers of fear and misconception that cause prejudice and the similarities and shared beliefs that can bond.

The group included playwrights, screen and radio dramatists, performers, poets and novelists, along with three BBC producers, Pentabus's creative team and The Hurst Centre Directors. They experienced a series of adventures and encounters, from attending a livestock market to stumbling across the town's only brothel.

The run is accompanied by two panel events. The first brings together a high profile panel representing a wide spectrum of views across the country/city divide (9 October, 9pm - further details to be confirmed). The second explores writing from the perspective of an "insider" or an "outsider" (11 October, 6pm).

The monologues are directed by Pentabus Theatre's Artistic Director, Theresa Heskins. The cast includes Janice Connolly (Holy Mary in Phoenix Nights, and a favourite in Soho Theatre's comedy line-up as Barbara Nice), Habib Nasib Nader (Gregory in Little Britain); and Godfrey Jackman (who was the oldest actor at Edinburgh this year, aged 82, his credits span five decades). They are joined by Saraj Chaudhry, Endy McKay and two new cast members for the London run.

Writers' biographies

Francesca Beard
Francesca Beard has performed as a poet all over the world. Her poetry collection Cheap is in its fourth reprint. Francesca has been chosen as one of the Royal Court's Top 50 writers.

Sonali Bhattacharyya
Dramatist Battacharyya is a regular on the Asian Network's radio soap Silver Street.

Ian Marchant
Comedian and novelist Ian Marchant wrote the travelogue Parallel Lines and his travelogue The Longest Crawl, exploring British drinking. His most recent book Pubs is launched in July.

Kara Miller
Kate Miller is a filmmaker. Her film Cheese Makes You Dream won the Hitchcock award. Lolapalooza will be made by Working Title Films.

Richard Rai O'Neill
Born into a large Gypsy Travelling family, writer and storyteller Richard Rai O'Neill founded the Gypsy Expressions website.

Rommi Smith
Performer, poet and playwright, Romni Smith was poet in residence for BBC Music Live and has written for Paines Plough and BBC radio.

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