Can't Kill The Spirit

Brighton’s cultural calendar is filling up for the spring, and one of the productions arriving at The Lantern Theatre on 20 May 2026 is Can't Kill The Spirit. The play centres on the character of Chloe, a woman who was once part of the Greenham Common peace camp. Forty years after that experience, she finds herself navigating a new wave of activism when a climate protest impacts her family life. It explores the tension between her past involvement and her current responsibilities, looking at how personal history shapes the way people choose to act in the present. The narrative focuses on the moment Chloe must decide where her priorities lie, providing a look at the intersection of family dynamics and political conviction.

The script, written by Robert Gordon Clark and directed by Lucy Aley-Parker, draws inspiration from the experiences of women involved in protest movements across different generations. It touches on the idea of being an 'upstander'—someone who takes action rather than observing from the sidelines. The production first premiered in July 2025 at the Waterloo East Theatre in London before being brought to Brighton as part of the Brighton Fringe. Reviews from its initial run noted that the play approaches its subject matter with a focus on the consequences of holding onto one's principles, treating the audience as adults capable of engaging with complex themes. It avoids simple answers, instead presenting the challenges that come with maintaining a commitment to activism over several decades.

For those interested in seeing the performance, it will be hosted at The Lantern Theatre. It serves as a look at how the legacy of movements like Greenham Common continues to influence contemporary discussions about activism and family dynamics. By focusing on the specific story of one character, the play provides a perspective on the long-term impact of protest on an individual's life. It is a piece of theatre that relies on its narrative to prompt reflection on how people balance their personal values with the demands of their daily lives. The play is designed to be a thoughtful exploration of what it means to stand by one's principles, regardless of the outcomes that follow.