South West What's On
Female-centred work marks International Women's Day
In March, Bristol Old Vic's Weston Studio presents two powerful plays centred on female stories, marking International Women's Day which takes place on the 3 Mar.
..blackbird hour
..blackbird hour by babirye bukilwa is a visceral and moving exploration of a queer Black woman’s call-to-arms for loving oneself when love has made itself scarce. It runs at Bristol Old Vic's Weston Studio from 4 - 8 Mar.
“This love word. Do people just use it when they feel sorry?”
Eshe hasn’t left the flat.
Loved-ones keep reaching out: blowing up her phone and showing up at her front door. They say they’re going to “save” her. She’s not saying anything back.
Until, in the dark early hours, surrounded by half-eaten food, dirty washing, and a damn good playlist, she focuses on the letter in front of her.
Currently making its world premiere at the Bush Theatre, this profound insight into caring and belonging serves as a continuation of bukilwa's critically acclaimed playwriting debut …cake. It is directed by malakaï sargeant whose previous credits include The Master’s House (Talawa/BBC Radio 4/BBC Sounds), Still Here? (Unicorn Theatre), Yummy (Theatre Royal Stratford East), We Are Here To Make Change (Royal Court) and ...Cake (Theatre Peckham).
The cast includes Evlyne Oyedokun as Eshe, Olivia Nakintu as Ella, Ivan Oyik as Michael and Danielle Kassaraté as Sissy.
babirye bukilwa is an actor and writer for stage, audio, and screen. Their first play, ...blackbird hour, was shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2019, the inaugural Women’s Prize for Playwriting 2020, and the Alfred Fagon Award 2020. The play they wrote as its prequel, …cake, was presented at Theatre Peckham and was nominated for the Alfred Fagon Award in 2021.
...blackbird hour | Photo by Seye Isikalu.
PLAYFIGHT
The Edinburgh runaway hit Playfight follows from 14 - 29 Mar, launching a three-city tour from Bristol Old Vic before heading to Belgrade Theatre and Soho Theatre.
Presented by Theatre Uncut and Grace Dickson Productions, Playfight is Julia Grogan’s (Co-creator of Gunter, Royal Court) groundbreaking exploration of sexuality, female adolescence, and identity. This five-star, award-winning drama embarks on a limited-run from March to April 2025: Bristol Old Vic (14 - 29 March), Belgrade Theatre Coventry (2 - 5 April), and Soho Theatre London (8 - 26 April).
The show revolves around three friends who grow up under an ancient oak tree, navigating the beautifully messy, chaos of adolescence. As their roots intertwine and branches stretch upward, they face the challenges of growing up in a world where innocence is brutally confronted by the harsh realities of hyper-sexualization and exploitation. In turn hysterically funny and heartbreakingly poignant, Playfight is a vivid portrait of friendship, desire, and resilience in contemporary Britain.
The cast for this exciting tour sees all three original actors; Nina Cassells, Sophie Cox, and Lucy Mangan reprising their acclaimed roles, bringing the same dynamic energy and authenticity that captivated audiences in the play’s initial run. Playwright Julia Grogan, whose sharp and insightful writing has drawn widespread praise, continues to cement her reputation as a bold and innovative voice in contemporary theatre. The production is helmed by visionary director Emma Callander, whose creative leadership has been instrumental in bringing this compelling story to life with both nuance and flair.
"A blinding, sucker-punch of a play - honest, hilarious, heartfelt and the wittiest writing out there. Grogan is who we've been waiting for!" - Phoebe Waller-Bridge
