Current Shows
Brenda’s Got a Baby
By Bloomin’ Buds Theatre Company
Brenda is 16 and pregnant. Amy, her older sister, is the first in her family to go to university.
As one sister finds it hard to fit in at university with her council estate background, the other is discovering that becoming a mum is not what she thought it might be. As friends disappear and finances tighten, the sisters confront and confide in each other about their increasingly challenging lives.
Based on interviews with working-class women in Bradford, Brenda’s Got a Baby is a new verbatim play by Bloomin’ Buds Theatre Company that explores the challenges that these two working class women face. The show tours to Red Ladder local venue St John’s Parish Church in Staincross after a run in New York and stars real-life sisters Jenny and Katie Mahon.
Running time: 50 minutes
‘A spectacular piece of theatre… Bloomin’ Buds’ brand of social commentary through drama will soon be gracing stages far more hallowed than that of our university… A complex issue has been discussed maturely and effectively, tied up in a narrative as spellbinding as it is familiar.‘ The Gryphon (Leeds University) review
‘Brenda’s Got a Baby makes its points clearly and with enjoyable performances’ ★★★★ The Stage
‘Brenda’s Got A Baby succeeds in telling a good story while at the same time highlighting some of the issues faced by working class girls.‘ The Edinburgh Reporter
About the company: Bloomin’ Buds Theatre Company aims to increase access to opportunity for people from lower and working class backgrounds. They do this by running weekly community sessions, organising community performances, running public events, doing workshops in schools and by making professional theatre pieces. Brenda’s Got a Baby is their second professional piece; their first ‘Rewrite the system’ was a sell out. For more details visit bloominbudstheatrecompany.com
INFO/TICKETS
GALLERY
The Parting Glass
Written by Chris O’Connor
Directed by Rod Dixon
Can you ever really know what someone’s going through?
Jim’s always been a bit of a character – cracking jokes, telling funny stories, the life and soul of the party. You’ll most likely find him down the pub with his mates, or at the footie. A Leeds lad through and through, just like his Dad. And what’s more, he’s met his perfect match: Sara. She’s a Leeds lass with a sense of adventure and a cutting wit, always up for a laugh.
At Jim’s 30th birthday party, they should be having the time of their lives. The world is at their feet, right? But Jim is hiding a lingering feeling that he’s not quite built for this world. Like there’s always been something wrong. Tonight, he wants to talk, to tell you his story – one he’s never told before.
Exploring mental health, masculinity and human connection in a social media-obsessed world, The Parting Glass is a moving new play (with a fair few laughs along the way) by Chris O’Connor, directed by Red Ladder Theatre Company’s Rod Dixon, and developed from O’Connor’s previous production ‘The Life and Soul.’
‘…a serious examination of important and life-changing issues… but with a fair few laughs along the way.’ Reviews Hub on O’Connor’s The Life & Soul
‘… a dynamic and emotive production that throws into question socialised masculinity, and the dangers of playing up to the entrenched stereotypes that leave men particularly voiceless and isolated.’ The State of the Arts
Recommended for ages 14+. Running time: approx. 1 hour. Contains strong language and themes of depression and suicide.
Performance dates, times and venues are listed below. Many performances will also include a post-show Q&A (question and answer) session with the cast and a mental health professional (details to be confirmed).
INFO/TICKETS
GALLERY
