**** 4 stars The Times, Evening Standard, What’s On Stage, Sunday Times, Metro

‘We have inherited a house. A house in the country. A house by the sea.’

A major critical success at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this savagely funny poetic drama by award-winning playwright Torben Betts takes place in an unnerving vision of the near future. A husband and wife have escaped the rat race and rising anarchy of the city, relocating to a desolate coastal house. There they will seek fulfillment through a life of solitude and self-sufficiency.

But are they really ready to spend so much time alone together?

Should they be alarmed at the rising level of the sea they overlook? And what to make of the hook-nosed stranger, wandering the bridleways with a grubby coat and a violin?

CREATIVE TEAM:

Written by Torben Betts
Directed by Adam Barnard
Sound design by Steve Mayo

Lighting design by Mikey Robertson

Cast: Emily Bowker and Chris Harper

Previous work by Torben Betts at the Arcola includes The Unconquered (2007 and 2008).

Latest Reviews:

“Compelling” The Times

**** “Elegantly poetic” The Evening Standard

“This is a smart, thought provoking, imaginative and beautifully performed piece.” The Londonist

“Betts’ dialogue is both witty and intelligent… Bowker and Harper are superb.” British Theatre Guide

**** “Immensely watchable” What’s On Stage

Edinburgh Reviews:

***** “The piece grips throughout: beautifully written and performed, Lie of the Land really is a must-see” British Theatre Guide

**** “Eerie and unforgettable… A gem” Sunday Times

**** “The fractured, hypnotic dialogue is superbly brought to life” Metro

“About the most original and extraordinary writer of drama we have” Liz Lochhead

“An uncommonly talented playwright” Time Out

Nominated for a Scotsman Fringe First and a Total Theatre Award.

By TORBEN BETTS
Directed by ADAM BARNARD