Rules for Living at the New Venture Theatre

About

The New Venture Theatre (NVT) is thrilled to present the Brighton premiere of Rules for Living, a darkly funny and sharply observed play by celebrated British playwright Sam Holcroft. This theatrical treat explores the intricacies of family dynamics, the weight of social norms, and the chaos that ensues when expectations collide with reality.

Set around a traditional family Christmas gathering, Rules for Living follows the family of Edith and Francis as they prepare for a holiday meal together. As each character reveals their unique “rules” – unspoken habits and coping mechanisms – tensions rise, emotions run high, and the lines between civility and dysfunction begin to blur. Holcroft’s play cleverly combines humour with raw insights, dissecting how family patterns, insecurities, and societal expectations shape our behaviour.

The play’s comedic genius lies in its structure: each character has an observable "rule" they must follow to navigate situations, revealing patterns that audiences will recognise in themselves and others. Whether it's nervously cracking jokes or being overly polite to avoid conflict, each rule adds to the tension and hilarity as secrets come to the surface and the family's ideals are challenged.

Director Martin Malone shared his excitement for the production: “Rules for Living is a brilliant exploration of how we create our own constraints and how, especially within family settings, these rules can explode into complete chaos. It’s not only a deeply funny piece but one that reminds us to laugh at ourselves and our peculiarities.”

With a dynamic cast, Rules for Living promises to deliver laughs, poignant moments, and unforgettable performances. Holcroft’s script is celebrated for its wit, emotional depth, and relatability, making this production a perfect choice for anyone who has experienced – or survived – a family holiday gathering.