3 scenes from Sean O'Brien's verse drama 'Laughter when we're Dead' were filmed in June 2000 at Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne. The play is set in the near future, in the course of a single night at the close of the Labour Party Conference, six weeks before a General Election in which New Labour, under the leadership of Richard Tallow, will seek a third term in office. James Jackson, Home Secretary, hopes to assume leadership of the party following electoral defeat and drive Labour back towards the Left.

Technical note - delivering video over the internet is still in its infancy. Much depends on the speed of connections and the capacity of the computer receiving the signals. To accommodate the range from low-end to high-end performance a variety of formats are offered - small Quick Time files (under 3 MB); MPG files; large Quick Time files.


Excerpt One shows the Home Secretary, James Jackson, expound on affairs of state. He then moves on to talking with Daisy Gates, Jackson's PPS, and his current love interest. (Approximately 6 minutes). James Jackson - Deka Walmsley; Daisy Gates - Susie Cooper

Excerpt Two is a monologue given by Elizabeth Jackson, Human Rights lawyer and married to Jackson. (Approximately 2 mins). Elizabeth Jackson - Libby Davison

Excerpt Three focusses on Gregor Glass, the Prime Minister's adviser, as he blackmails Daisy Gates into working for him. (Approximately 7 minutes). Gregor Glass - Donald McBride; Daisy Gates - Susie Cooper; Denise (barmaid/waitress) - Grace Stillgrove

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Excerpt One - text

Quick Time - 2 MB

MPG - 50 MB

Quick Time - 104 MB

Excerpt Two - text

Quick Time - 758 K

MPG - 17 MB

Quick Time - 38 MB

Excerpt Three - text

Quick Time - 2.33 MB

MPG - 53 MB

Quick Time - 120 MB


To Download Quick Time Player click here

Credits for Theatre; Film Production; Web-Production