THE latest offering from the Worcester Repertory Company is Suitable for Shop Work, and audiences are sure to love this dramatic “fast-moving kaleidoscope of four lives”.

Following a critically-acclaimed world premiere in 2016, the Worcester Repertory Company will reprise Chris Jaeger’s highly personal play Suitable for Shop Work at the Swan Theatre this May.

At times heart-breaking, at times amusing, Suitable for Shop Work explores the twists and turns of four young people’s lives, “and looks at the limitations of judgements based purely on academic success”.

Chris Jaeger said: “The play follows four school leavers about to venture out into the world. Three of them are branded with the rather damning label ‘suitable for shop work’, and one is tipped for great things.

“ But do they fulfil the various prophesies? Do they meet the expectations of their school and, indeed, themselves?”

Himself a teacher in a past life, Jaeger explains why this play is particularly close to his heart:

He said: “I taught for many years and saw so many young people who failed at school do fantastically well in life that it inspired the play. It is a very personal piece to me as I have known a version of all four of the characters in my own life. I am very excited about doing the play again; it means a huge amount to me.”

The production sees Murray Andrews reprise his role of Jon, with the remaining three school leavers being performed by new cast members Heidi Gowthorpe, Wilf Williams and Alexandra Whitworth. All four actors have performed previously with the Worcester Rep, Heidi and Wilf having recently starred in the 2018 Swan Theatre pantomime, Maid Marian, Alexandra fresh from playing Viola in the 2018 Worcester Rep at the Cathedral production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and Murray having most recently appeared for the Rep in Bah Humbug! last December.

The run at The Swan will be from May 21 to May 25.

Box Office: 01905 611427 / www.worcesterlive.co.uk