Lockdown gives birth to new dark comedy about relationships

14th June 2021

A new dark comedy thriller which emerged from a lockdown idea is being premiered at St George’s Theatre and Sheringham Little Theatre this summer.

My Other Half is the brainchild of the Sheringham’s technical apprentice Chris Sainton-Clark, who wrote and self-published the drama – then secured an Arts Council grant and crowdfunding to bring it to life on stage,

It features young couple in their 20s, H and B, living together in a flat, who switch bodies in a freak event which gives them a clearer insight into each other’s lives and what shaped them.

Chris explained: “During lockdown I wanted to do something creative – and realised that in a lot of relationships each partner does not always know what the other is going through.

“The body swap means they learn about each other – with lots of twists and turns along the way.”

Chris, 21 from  Corpusty, has acted but his theatre career has mainly been in technical work including stage management, and he is keen to put his experience to good use putting his creative ideas into the spotlight.

The drama, which also goes on to St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth stars Megan Artherton, Charlie Randall and Daisy den Englese – with some voice acting from Chris.

He is “surprised and delighted” to win a £2500 Arts Council grant to fund the performances, on top of £700 worth of support from friends and the community in a crowdfunding drive.

“I originally wrote My Other Half as a short film script, but through working at Sheringham Little Theatre and St George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth – and the encouragement of director Debbie Thompson – realised it would be ideal for the stage.

“I also hope the work is suitable for taking on tour and maybe to the Edinburgh Fringe,” added Chris who has set up his own drama company Raising Cain Productions.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “Chris asked me to read his play and I was truly blown away. I think it’s a really interesting piece that in true thriller style keeps you guessing. I think audiences will love it.”

Rehearsals began in earnest this month for the shows which are at the Little Theatre on July 9 and 10 and St Georges on July 13-15 (all 7.30pm). Tickets at  and  

The script can be bought as an ebook or paperback from Amazon at