Family First
The Merrow family has owned and operated 'Balor Bar' for generations. Known for its warm atmosphere, hearty laughter, and the best stout in the county, the pub is more than a business - it's a cherished family tradition.
At the helm of Balor Bar are Malachy and Lizzie Merrow, a spirited couple whose love for their pub is only rivalled by their love for their three children: Conor, Keira and Maeve.
The pair have always envisioned passing the bar down to their kids, keeping their legacy alive. However, not everyone is on board.
Through lively scene filled with song, dance and stories of old, 'Family First' explores themes of family, tradition and self-discovery.
Age advisory: 12+ (or younger with parental guidance)
Content Warnings: Strong Language, Depiction of alcohol on stage, references to sex, alcoholism and descriptions of violence.
Cast & Creative Team
Director
Brandon Robinson-Connolly
Photo Credit: @cianscameras
Musical Director
Maura Lub
Photo Credit: @aktaphotography
Technical Stage Manager
Luke Madzudzo
Photo Credit: @snapsbylee
Composer
Phoebe Coulon
Intimacy Coordinator
Laura Torenbeek
Co-Writer / Conor
Tyler Pickles
Photo Credit: @ruthcrafer
Co-Writer / Sam
Danté Thomas
Photo Credit: @snapsbylee
Set & Costume Designer / Lizzie
Leannah Gardner
Photo Credit: @yellowbellyphoto
Maeve
Scarlett Bennett
Photo Credit: @snapsbylee
Keira
Rosie Jowett-Jones
Photo Credit: @emilyfg_photography
Malachy
Jack Moorby
Photo Credit: @aktaphotography
Assistant Technical Stage Manager
Tom Donoghue
Photo Credit: @tombarkerphoto
Videographer
Eddie Clover
Photo Credit: Isaac Rusz
Our Funders and Supporters
'This project is funded by Leeds City Council
through the Leeds Cultural investment Programme.'
This project has also been funded by Leeds Philosophical Literary Society, Leeds Conservatoire & NextDoorButOne.
Thank you to Ray Productions and Slung Low for their ongoing support on this project.
Thank you to the following Donators on our GoFundMe Campaign:
Adam Alcockd
Amanda Robinson
Becky Pickles
Constance peel
Danni Fox
Dermot Daly
Ellie Dunne
Gemma Carden
George bell
Graham Ince
Helen Welch
Ian Brown
James Mason
Keerat Lota
Lara Wilson
Lisa Holdsworth
Liz Critchley
Luke Tyson
Lynne Pickles
Mahima Ishwar Rewari
Neha Eapen
Oscar Burton
Rachel Brooke
Reece Parry
Rowena Riley
Saskia Paige Martin
S Bryant-Kitching
Shaun Rafferty
Steven Greaves
Therese O'Sullivan
Tracey Lowthorpe
Wendy Bell
+ 3 anonymous donations
Also, a huge thank you to everybody who helped us with this process. The people below have either given up their free time or in-kind funding to help us with this project!
Alice Barber
Amy Leach
Angharad Roberts
Brandon Robinson-Connolly
Charlotte Fitzpatrick
Chris Bond
Chris Lloyd
Daisy Williams
Dermot Daly
Eilidh Thomson
Eija Gibson
Eleanor Corker
Elvi Piper
Genevieve Richards
Jack Moorby
James Burton
Jonathan Rainey-Reid
Kennady Pickles
Keziah Nicholas
Leannah Gardner
Leon Fleming
Linda-Ray Ndlovu
Lisa Holdsworth
Luke Madzudzo
Maura Lub
Mills Melton
Molly Hugo
Oscar Burton
Patrick James
Phoebe Clough
Phoenix Greaves
Rachael Halliwell
Ruth Saxton
Saskia Paige Martin
Scarlett Bennett
Solomon Gordon
Tom Donoghue
Virag Zengo