Time Bomb
Previewed in London, then performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2008.
It's 4th March 2017.
- 70 years ago today, the brilliant scientist James Clarke was recruited to develop Britain's independent nuclear deterrent. The nuclear 'time bomb' started ticking.
- 50 years ago today a time capsule was buried in the Clarke family garden.
- 15 years ago today, Robert Clarke, a government press secretary, devised a plan for convincing the public and Parliament of the need for military action against Iraq. Five years later, he successfully marshalled support for maintaining Trident, Britain's nuclear weapons system.
- 10 years ago today, Joanna, girlfriend of Harry Clarke, was killed whilst serving in Iraq.
- 5 years ago today, Victoria Clarke, voted with the Government to proceed with the procurement of Trident's replacement.
It's 48 hours before Victoria Clarke, a rising star in Ed Hall's government, is due to support a Parliamentary motion authorising a nuclear war with Iran. The Clarke family is gathering for Robert's 60th birthday dinner, when the 50 year old time capsule will be opened.
Harry, a human rights lawyer, is arriving straight from commemorative drinks for Joanna. Victoria has been held up visiting flooded constituents in Maidenhead. George is at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is attending the dinner by telepresence. Harry's current girlfriend, parliamentary correspondent Elizabeth Birnberg, is hoping to get an inside story on the Clarke ‘Nuclear Family’. And Harry's mother, Jan, has been finding a suitable recipe for Norwegian Pollock balls.
What will the time capsule reveal? Will Victoria authorise war with Iran? Is the nuclear 'time bomb' about to explode?
Time Bomb is a one act political drama written by Tim Burton especially for the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Tim's choice of subject matter was influenced by, not only the recent landmark decision in Westminster to maintain Britain's nuclear weapons system, but also a wish to raise issues that are likely to resonate particularly with the Festival's local audience. The Scottish Parliament voted last June against replacing Trident, demonstrating that Scotland's continued hosting of nuclear weapons is a matter of deep concern for many residents.
Time Bomb offers a profound yet entertaining perspective on nuclear weapons; Anglo-American policy in the Middle East; and government manipulation of public opinion.
Director:
Lesley Strachan
Designer:
Jessica Andrews
Cast:
Victoria Clarke - Denise Rocard
Harry Clarke - Toby White
Robert Clarke - Tim Burton
Elizabeth Birnberg - Cornelia Baumann
Jan Butler - Frances Burton
George - Paul Mulcahy
Monica - Julia Collier
Charlotte - Julia Collier
James Clarke (voice) - Jonathan Constant
Crew:
Stage Manager - Paul Mulcahy
Lighting & Sound - Emma Burton
