Nebraska’s Possum Trot Debuts in London

Award-winning American playwright Kathy Rucker (Crystal Springs; Park Theatre, Eureka Theatre; Sultan’s Battery, Whitmore-Lindley Theatre; Darling; Hope Theatre) brings small town Nebraska to London this November with the world premiere of Possum Trot. Acclaimed for captivating audiences with her timely explorations of contemporary issues, Rucker’s latest production draws inspiration from the ongoing battles faced by family farms across America’s heartland.

Set in Possum Trot, Nebraska, the play follows Maxine—the sharp-witted, big-hearted owner of the town’s only diner—on a harrowing yet often hilarious mission to keep her beloved town on the map. Maxine, played by Sarah Berger (An Inspector Calls; Doctor Who) faces crises after crises threatening the town’s survival. From agricultural giants swallowing up family farms, to climate disasters and an exodus of young people fleeing for the city, she fights tooth and nail to preserve the spirit of her small town—all while juggling the equally comic and chaotic dramas of her own family. The play also proudly features Todd Boyce (Coronation Street, ITV), Nikolas Salmon (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Lionsgate Films;EastEnders, BBC), Dani Arlington (Prima Facie, West End & Broadway), and Neve Francis (Engine Room New Work, Omnibus Theatre).

Rucker’s script balances poignancy with laughter, illuminating the hard truths of rural America while celebrating the resilience, quirks, and humanity of the people who live there. Funny, tender, and deeply moving, Possum Trot reveals that even in the toughest circumstances, humour and community are the glue that hold people together.

Having grown up surrounded by orchards and fields in California’s Central Valley, Rucker brings a keen eye for authenticity to the play. Directed by Scott Le Crass (Jab; Park Theatre, Rose; Ambassadors Theatre) and produced by Kevin Nolan (Country Music; Omnibus Theatre), Possum Trot is both a love letter to small towns and a rallying cry for their survival.

Writer Kathy Rucker shares,The character of Maxine was inspired by my grandmother, Alice. She was widowed at 30, left alone to raise two young children in California during the Great Depression and World War II. When asked, at the ripe old age of 97, what her secret to her longevity was, she replied, ‘a sense of humour and a touch of bourbon every night.’ If asked to describe my play Possum Trot in a nutshell, I’d say the play is about the birth of a ghost town. When writing this play, I often listened to Bruce Springsteen’s album, Nebraska, especially the haunting first track – Nebraska. Bob Dylan’s song Shelter from the Storm was also part of my playlist.

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