Currently in development. 'Less Alone, More Alive!'
A 60 minute semi-autobiographical solo show about love, death and Borderline Personality Disorder. Set in the style of a children’s party crossed with a fucked-up cabaret with specially written songs, specially drawn cartoons and a whole host of characters.
To find out more, please click below or feel free to get in touch. It’s always great to meet future collaborators and co-conspirators.
Against a backdrop of the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland and an epidemic of mental illness, Suzy and the voices in her head ‘Big Red’ and ‘Little Red’ explore love, loneliness and the nature of human connection.
This explosive show is for anyone who wants to LIVE and THRIVE rather than survive. For anyone who has had to change, who has felt the need to speak out. For anyone who yearns to dance like nobody’s watching.
‘Insanity – a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world.’
R. D. LAING
"...and I run. I run from myself, to myself, for myself"
Less Alone, More Alive!
Humans need hope. Now more than ever. We crave connection.
Inspired by my experiences living with BPD, I’ve got a big heart and a big desire to tell the truth about what it feels like to get sick and get sane.
BPD is rarely in the media. By writing a character whose life is lived through this lens and then subsequent remission, I want to show that this IS possible.
The epidemic of mental illness as a result of Covid has begun to bite. In sharing this story honestly it will enable others with similar backgrounds to identify and those with different backgrounds to empathise. This show is an example of story as an ‘empathy making machine’ (Joey Soloway 2016).
The impact of the ‘Troubles’ on mental health in Northern Ireland is not often discussed. This conflict continues to affect generations. The stability of the region is at risk due to Brexit. We cannot return to violence.
AMIE BURNS - WALKER
Amie is an actor turned director (credits include RSC, BBC). Her performance background led her on to becoming one of the creators of the UK’s longest running immersive theatre show ‘The Great Gatsby’. Amie has been part of Immersive Gatsby's creative team for the past 5 years, directing the West End Transfer and Korean Production.
Amie previously directed ‘Dr Strangelove’ for Secret Cinema and was also a co -founder of The Immersive Ensemble, who are renowned for creating the groundbreaking show 'The Drop Off'.
JESSICA McVAY & EMILY CAREWE - 45NORTH
45North is an award-winning production company. They champion, develop and produce work by female-identifying and non-binary artists. Led by artists from a variety of performing and producing backgrounds, they are committed to supporting emerging creatives who are beginning and expanding their practices.
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR / CHOREOGRAPHER
Nancy is a Movement Director, Choreographer, Theatre Maker and Teacher with an expansive skill set and a commitment to finding new and potent forms of physical expression. She is an Associate Artist at the Mercury Theatre, where she is currently developing a piece of Dance Theatre entitled Dear NeverLand - inspired by J.M Barrie's Peter Pan. She has worked on a mix of musicals (Our House- Queens Hornchurch, I Capture the Castle – Watford palace/ Bolton Octagon), plays and films
MUSICAL DIRECTOR / CO-COMPOSER
Tristan has performed, composed, designed sound and musically directed material for film, theatre, major events and television for two decades. This includes over fifteen productions for Hull Truck Theatre, multiple productions for the Edinburgh Festival including ‘An Audience with...’ staring Alistair McGowan 2015 and over a decade of productions for The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. He was a musical director on the Beijing and London Olympic Games.
Film work includes ‘To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before’ for Channel 4 Films, ‘When Romeo Met Juliet’ for the BBC and Anna Karenina for Working Title Films.
2018 | Bryony Kimmings Lab | Initial Idea
2019 | The Pleasance (AIAWTC event) | 15 Minute Scratch
2019 | Haley McGee Solo Show lab | 15 Minute Scratch
2019 | Solo Fest 2020 (Katzspace) | 15 Minute Scratch
2021 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
We are thrilled to be running an R and D in 2021.
Over a period of 4 weeks we will experiment with new forms which support the development of this piece - the use of music, song and movement as part of live storytelling and performance.
There will be a sharing at the end of this period for potential programmers, partners and an invited audience of our peers within the mental health, recovery and Northern Irish/ Irish diaspora communities. Feedback gathered will aid the next steps of our journey.
"An excitingly honest depiction of the power of human connection told with exquisite language, stunning songs and daring vulnerability."
Haley McGee - Solo Show Specialist
(Ex Boyfriend Yardsale @ CPT, Doctor Who BBC)
MUSIC & DESIGN
Music and movement form a vital part of the expression of this story. We are beginning exploring working with live illustration and drawing as part of the story. Here are some images and collages that we have created on this journey.
The music will be rough in feel, with sounds created by me. As an enthusiastic non professional music maker, this will have its own aesthetic which will add to the vibe of the show.
At the end of our R and D period we will have a sharing for an invited audience of industry, mental health professionals, fellow BPD survivors and the Irish/ N.Irish Diaspora (reached through The London Irish Centre).
We have connected with local mental health services to assist in the development of a platform talk which will accompany the completed show.
With the involvement of mental health experts, we will ensure audiences are safeguarded.
The purpose of the platform is to promote awareness of BPD (as a little spoken of condition). There will also be a series of workshops to promote connection and creativity, empowering participants to connect and collaborate with each other as a vehicle for wellbeing.
The London Irish Centre
Tinderbox Theatre Company
Lemn Sissay MBE
Ruth Willow Mariner
Dr Emma Janes
Benn Keaveney of Mind
Rory Bolton of NHS Foundation Trust
Graeae and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.