Pipeline Productions

The Collector

Henry Naylor

Directed by: Henry Naylor & Michael Cabot

FRINGE FIRST WINNER at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

2003, Mazrat Gaol. One of Saddam’s most notorious torture houses. More than 10,000 people died here. Now, under Allied command, Nassir works here. He’s a local, translating for the American interrogators. He’s pro-Western, determined to bring liberal values to his country. And he’s about to get married to his sweetheart. But when he is recognized by a psychotic prisoner, his life becomes a living hell…

The Collector is a timely tale of murder, evil and betrayal set in occupied Iraq. It was one of the most highly-acclaimed shows at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it received a prestigious Fringe First for ‘innovation and outstanding new writing’. Now, for one week only, it comes to the Arcola for its London premiere.

Henry Naylor was one of the head writers of Spitting Image, and has written for some of the most famous names on TV, including Alistair MacGowan, Lenny Henry, Rory Bremner, Smith and Jones and Dead Ringers. Co-director Michael Cabot is Artistic Director of London Classic Theatre, one of the UK’s most prolific touring theatre companies. His productions at the Arcola have included Marat/Sade (2001) and Pera Palas (2007).

“A first-rate piece of drama.”
★★★★★ Scotsgay

“Outstanding new writing… brilliantly delivered… first class.”
★★★★ Scotsman

“Coruscating drama… strong performances.”
★★★★ Metro

★★★★ Theatre Extra

“Brilliant.” Three Weeks

“Hard-hitting drama” The Stage

“a moving tale of young love.” The Guardian

“…brilliant show… a must see with images of Homeland.” Edinburgh Evening News

“Three strong central performances.” The List

“…vivid, mesmerizing and chilling.” New York Theatre Wire

Monday – Saturday evenings at 8pm – £12 (£10 concessions)

Saturday matinee (22 November) at 3.30pm – £12 (£10 concessions)

Pay What You Can Tuesdays (tickets in person from 6.30pm – limited and subject to availability)

In Studio 2, seating is unallocated.

Recommended for ages 12+

Running time is approximately 1 hour.