A good story should have a happy ending. Real life, however, is filled with untoward events and refuses to follow the rules of Mozartian opera.

Our characters will still be presented in theatrical style. Each will have a few moments of monologue or a chance to stand alone on stage. None speaks from a pulpit; they all act on stage. This is a puppet theatre of words, revealing only half the truth – but which half? Perhaps it is best not to believe a single word.

Drawing of Burslem old town hall, based on original by Matthew Rice, author and illustrator of The Lost City of Stoke on Trent.