‘The Children’: A post-nuclear New Hampshire premiere at The Players’ Ring Theatre May 1-17

PORTSMOUTH - In the aftermath of a nuclear incident, two retired scientists live in quiet isolation when a former colleague arrives with a request that will upend everything. 
 
In Lucy Kirkwood’s award-winning play, “The Children,” global questions about responsibility and legacy unfold alongside deeply personal, human dynamics – relationships shaped by memory, desire, and the choices we carry. Directed by Matthew Parent, “The Children,” will be on stage at the Players’ Ring Theatre May 1 through May 17. 
 
“As soon as I read the play, I wanted to be a part of it,” said Parent. “It's not only a terrific script, but the topic is very timely.  It's funny, scary, and dramatic, and I knew it would be exciting to take a deep dive into its world – the challenges of staging it, and the thrill of working with the actors on interpreting these characters. It's not often that I get to do a play that deals with ‘current events,’ so I was attracted to the prospect of doing something that would not only entertain audiences, but might also engender thought-provoking discussions.”
 
Parent said that on one level, there's a very simple but compelling story being told revolving around three characters, now in their sixties – a married couple and an old friend who, after not having seen each other for nearly forty years, stops in for a visit with a mysterious request.  
 
“Watching these three characters interact – trying to find out the reason for the unexpected visit, makes for a great story,” he added.  “And more than that, once the reason is made known, the characters grapple with a dangerous question, with their changing alliances and hidden and twisted pasts.”
 
Parent enjoyed working with the three members of the cast – Kimberly Holliday, Robert D. Murphy and Donna Phofolos.
 
“I can sum up the cast in one word – extraordinary,” he said.  “All three of them are accomplished, experienced actors with tremendous resumes.  It's my first time working with each of them, and it’s been delightful to discover their enormous talents.”
 
Actor Robert D. Murphy said he and Kim Holliday have been collaborating for over a decade, as actors and playwrights, sometimes directing each other or each other's new work. 
 
“We also have a production company, YASPLZ LLC,” he said. “Our greatest challenge was perhaps the show ‘Heisenberg’ by Simon Stephens, which we were producing for The Players’ Ring. I was directing and Kim was acting; it was the spring of 2020. Covid struck and theatres closed.”  
 
Murphy, who is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, was the one to pitch “The Children” to the Players’ Ring on both of them. 
  
“God bless the theatre that has a ‘Ring Toss’ where the community is invited to share their ideas,” he said. The day I came to pitch back in January of 2025 was a festival in itself – an engaging, spirited, sprawling celebration of theatre makers who shared their dream project, or that title on their bucket list, or that show they just knew you’d love as much as they do. Which is how we felt about ‘The Children’.” 
 
Margherita Giacobbi, executive director of the Players’ Ring talked a little more about how the Ring selects its next season of plays.
 
“I am not sure if everyone knows this, but the way we program a season at the Players’ Ring is pretty unique,” she said. “Since 1992, we have been soliciting proposals from the artistic community. Submissions come in online, and artists then have two minutes to pitch their ideas at an in-person event.”
 
Primarily, it’s playwrights and directors who share original plays or titles they believe would be a great fit for the theatre. With the support of volunteer readers, the Artistic Committee then shapes the season, at times integrating with ideas that build on the recommendations received.
 
“With ‘The Children,’ the proposal came from two actors we know and respect,” she said. “So, we paid extra attention: what do they see in this? We were smitten with the play. The way it moves from macro to micro, from the global to the intimate – all with generous sprinkles of humor and even a touch of mystery – is compelling. It also gently invites us to reflect on things we too often brush aside: our planet, our legacy, and the choices we make every day.”
 
The creative team includes Ben Bagley, set design; Lauren Stetson, lighting design; Ro Gavin, costume design and dance choreography; Joshua Faigen, sound design; Aimee Blesing, language coach and Catherine Davis as production stage manager and props design. Production champions are Sue Forti and Bob Houlihan.
 
Curious about the process? The first Sunday matinee show (May 3) will be followed by an optional talkback with the director and cast.
 
The Ring’s neighbor, The Puddle Dock restaurant, and its sister restaurant, Tour on Lafayette Road, are both offering a 10% discount on food to Players’ Ring patrons. Visit their websites to reserve, and present your ticket when you ask for your check.
 
The Players’ Ring is grateful for the support of its donors and sponsors. Patrons of the Arts: The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation, The Rosamond Thaxter Foundation, Tour Restaurant, The Puddle Dock Restaurant, RAKA Creative. Supporters: Ace Handyman Services, Business Cents, City of Portsmouth Recreation Department, Dowling HVAC, Port City Makerspace. Media Partners: Portsmouthnh.com and Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. The Ring Works New Play Lab is supported by Kennebunk Savings Bank.

Go & Do
What: “The Children”, written by Lucy Kirkwood and directed by Matthew Parent
Where: The Players’ Ring Theatre, 105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth NH
               Phone: 603-436-8123
When: May 1 - 17. Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. 
Cost: General Admission: $32; Seniors (65+)/Students/Veterans/First Responders: $29
This play is included in the Ring’s subscription packages. Visit www.playersring.org for more information and to purchase tickets.