Jealous River

Tonbridge, 2005

Performed at Hayesbrook School, Tonbridge April 18th to 30th 2005

Jealous River is the story of a remarkable and turbulent century that was to change the face of Tonbridge forever.

Set in the mid to late nineteeth century against the background of the coming of the railways and the decline of the river, James Christie a smart entrepreneur comes to Tonbridge to make his name and fortune.

All but forgotten, Christie transformed the town with his engineering activities along the river but finally fled leaving huge debts and two pregnant sisters. The play follows the fortunes and fate of Christie’s illegitimate daughter who falls in love with Irish Jimmy fated to perish in the tragic Heartlake disaster and drown in the floodwaters. Destitute she becomes embroiled in the infamous bullion train robbery.

Tour the ancient town and meet the extraordinary characters that lived here. Be swept along on a tide of thrilling events, as the action swirls around you, be they skaters on the frozen river, flying trains or floating barges. ’Jealous River’ is an exciting promenade production directed by this country’s leading community play company: full of remarkable images, film and evocative original music.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a very different theatrical experience – the people of Tonbridge sharing in a celebration of events that forged the town. Travel back two hundred years with a cast of over 130 and share in an epic adventure inspired by people of Tonbridge who lived through extraordinary times.

“Exciting, moving and often very funny”