Possum Trot Brings Nebraskan Ghost Town to the Tabard
Susan Stanley-Carroll impressed by this tale of a struggling American family
Top Row: Nicklos Salmon - Sarah Berger.
Below: Todd Boyce Neve Francis Dani Arlington. Picture: Bonnie Britain
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October 27, 2025
Running between now and the 29 November at the Theatre at the Tabard is the production “Possum Trot” by Kathy Rucker. It vividly explores issues surrounding family farms in the US and the impacts of climate change and farming conglomerates on struggling low-income American farming families.
And aside from these global challenges - are a range of issues - relevant to any a tight knit family such as the family of Maxine living in Possum Trot, Nebraska.
The plot is brought to life when a typhoon strikes and an underground cellar is used as a safe place, a daughter wants to wing her way to a Californian Art College and a romance is kindled from a bygone era.
An ace cast is led by Sarah Berger (Maxine) she oozes warmth and compassion as mother, grandmother, widow, and matriarch of the community. She firmly wraps her disparate family around her and eases their way through a galaxy of issues.
Todd Boyce, late of Coronation Street, plays Duane an empathetic, stoic family friend. Dani Arlington (Pru) and Nicholas Salmon (Jeremiah) are the parents of Bilie (Neve Francis) - she is attached at the hip to a mobile! They all project a strong family trying to assimilate a range of universal challenges.
Reuben Speed’s set design and costumes are appropriate, clean cut and visually appealing.
Scott le Crass, the Director, explores Kathy Rucker’s thought-provoking script and has created is a production that gains momentum as it develops.
Neve Francis and Todd Boyce. Picture: Bonnie Britain
This short production starts slowly and seems to take time before it becomes a hundred percent engaging: it ignites once a cow is on the roof and a bun is in the oven and, then, the audience is engrossed.
As the play concluded, hankies were almost needed, as we watched this dear, struggling family fade away behind the footlights.
Nicolos Salmon. Picture: Bonnie Britain
“Possum Trot”, is the first production to be staged since Sarah and Simon Riley received The London Pub Theatre of the Year 2025 award and it does justice to their thrilling achievement.
Susan Stanley-Carroll
For booking and further details, visit the Tabard Theatre website or contact the box office directly.
Performances will take place at Theatre at the Tabard, 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW.
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