If you are in London then we have a treat for you this November. From the 12th November, the play Possum Trot makes it’s world premiere at the Theatre At The Tabard. It has been written by award-winning playwright Kathy Rucker inspired by the ongoing battles faced by family farms across America’s heartland, the play follows a resilient diner owner on a one-woman mission to preserve the spirit of her town while wrangling with her chaotic family. I spoke to Kathy to find out all about it.
Hello! Tell us about yourself.
I’m a playwright, drawn to the small, human moments that reveal something bigger about who we are. I love stories that mix humor and heart—because audiences connect most when they can laugh and feel something deeply. My plays have been produced in various places over the years, and each time I learn something new about how people see themselves in the work. For me, theatre is about sparking empathy and conversation.
Tell us a bit about the show Possum Trot.
Set in a small Nebraska town, Possum Trot follows a family farm fighting to survive. On the surface, it’s about the challenges of rural life, but at its heart, it’s about family—how people love, clash, and keep going even when the odds are stacked against them. There’s plenty of humor, because small-town life is quirky and funny, but it’s also deeply human. I wanted to capture the resilience of people often overlooked, and show the mix of laughter and struggle that shapes their days.
What can you tell us about the stage set?
The play takes place in a diner that’s seen better days—a space full of character and memories, where the town gathers.
Tell us a little bit about the rest of the cast.
The cast includes Sarah Berger (The Inspector Calls, Doctor Who), 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).
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
As an American, reaching an audience in the UK is my biggest challenge—but also an exciting one.
What have been some of your career highlights?
Every show is worth celebrating, but one stands out. Before my mom passed away, she came to see my play Crystal Springs, directed by the brilliant Anna Jordan, in San Francisco. Having a proud mom in the audience—there’s nothing better.
What can audiences expect from the show?
While the play is set in Nebraska, its themes are universal. Farming communities everywhere—including in the UK—face young people leaving for the cities and families struggling to hold on. At its heart, it’s about resilience, humor, and love, which I think will feel very familiar to UK audiences.
If people want to follow you on social media, where can they find you?
My website is kathyrucker.com, and I’m on Facebook and Instagram: @kathyrucker
Finally, in three words, why should people come to your show?
Good. Fun. Theatre.
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