A Graeae production in association with Live Theatre
BAD LADS
Written By MIKE KENNY created from the testimonies of the Medomsley Boys.
Directed by JENNY SEALEY
A story of oppression and resilience.
Bad Lads tells the gripping and devastating true story of the boys held at Medomsley Youth Detention Centre in County Durham in the 1980s— sold to the public as a "short, sharp shock" for wayward youth, the reality hid something much darker.
At a time when the cry for accountability is louder than ever, Bad Lads demands remembrance and calls for justice for these working class men.
Cast
Danny Raynor - older Jackie
Over the years Danny has worked with RSC, Live Theatre, Bolton Octagon, York Theatre Royal and the BBC among other companies. His most recent credits include the television drama ‘I Fought the Law’ (Hera Pictures/ITV), the film ‘Not All Men’ (DalyDarby Media) and the theatre production ‘A Way Home’ (CaroleW Productions).
Danny is currently writing a one-man play (‘Mr Romantic’) that he will perform at Laurels Theatre in 2026.
Robin Paley Yorke - younger Jackie
Training: BA European Theatre Arts and MA Ensemble Theatre at Rose Bruford College and Creación at ESAD, Murcia.
Recent Theatre Credits: ‘Billy Elliot’ (CURVE); ‘The Three Bears’ (Kitchen Zoo); ‘If You Fall’ (Ad Infinitum); ‘States of Mind’ (Extant); ‘The Unlocked Door’ (November Club); ‘Evros’ (Seemia Theatre’s UK Tour and Kampala International Theatre Festival); ‘REFRAIN’ (Verity Standen); ‘Interval’ (Justyna Scheuring at Venice Biennale & SPILL Festival); ‘Studying Hamlet’ (Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival); ‘Bankers’ (Alphabetti); ‘Fatherland’ (Frantic Assembly).
Recent Workshops: Otto Weidt’s 'Brush & Broom' Workshop for the Blind (Leeds Playhouse & JW3); ‘Painting The Town’ (New Wimbledon Theatre); ‘Everything That’s The Case’ (Seemia Theatre at Barbican).
Craig Painting - Performance Interpreter
Craig is a NRCPD-registered BSL interpreter and actor working across theatre, television and film. He is thrilled to be returning to work with Graeae, following last year’s tour of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ as an integrated performance interpreter. Recent credits include Opera North’s ‘The Magic Flute’, where BSL was placed at the heart of the production, alongside advocacy for greater Deaf representation in traditional theatre spaces.
As an actor, Craig has worked with BSL Zone (now LumoTV), Leeds Playhouse, Derby Theatre, Ramps on the Moon, and more. Stage credits include ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘Mr Snow’, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’, and ‘The Jungle Book’. Screen work includes ‘Falling’ (Channel 4), ‘DI Ray’ (ITV), ‘Doctors’ (BBC), and ‘Just Charlie’ (Seahorse Films).
