And Then Come The Nightjars

A tender, funny tale of friendship and loss as a Devon farmer and his vet face the 2001 Foot and Mouth crisis. Years later, their bond bears the scars of a battle for survival amidst dry wit and humour!

A tender, frank and funny play about a West Country farm struggling to survive the Foot and Mouth pandemic.

South Devon, 2001. Disease ravages the countryside, pyres are lit on the horizon, and dairy herdsman Michael is trapped as his farm becomes a battleground for his business, his heritage, and his friendship with local vet Jeff. Ten years on and the battle scars are as evident on their relationship as they are on the landscape.

Bea Roberts’ play And Then Come The Nightjars charts the struggle of one farm amidst a crisis that saw the slaughter of four million animals and the postponement of a General Election. The play was joint winner of the inaugural Theatre503 Playwriting Award.

Times: Various dates and times between Friday 6 March - Saturday 21 March 2026.
Tickets: £12-£30
Booking: Essential - via the Theatre Royal website.

Venue: Theatre Royal

Suitable for ages 15+

Access Performances:
•    BSL Interpreted: Friday 13 March, 7:30pm
•    Audio Described: Saturday 14 March, 7:30pm
•    Captioned: Thursday 19 March, 2pm and 7:30pm

This event is promoted by Theatre Royal

Written by Bea Roberts. Directed by Owen Calvert-Lyons.

A Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds In-House Production.