Joy Unspeakable, Touring, Autumn 2024 (Verbatim)
“This is a must-see show demanding we change the way society views eating disorders” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Theatre & Tonic
“Uniformly excellent” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Northern Soul
“Mesmerising and moving” Wigan Post
Joy Unspeakable was presented and produced by Ordinary Glory, my own theatre company. It was a dynamic, all-female, gig-theatre show exploring disordered eating through real-life testimony - why it’s all about food and nothing to do with food.
With large doses of anger, hope, and joy, Joy Unspeakable presented the true testimonies of four women, each with a different eating disorder, and each at a different stage of recovery. The show combined physical theatre, live folk and punk music, and real-life stories.
Joy Unspeakable was developed in consultation with mental health and eating disorder experts, including experts by lived experience. Partners included: Emily Troscianko (Health Coach and Research Associate, Oxford Research Centre), Samantha Hartley (a critical friend and formerly of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust Young People's Mental Health Research Unit), Professors at King's College’s Eating Disorders Unit, BAND, MhIST,1Point, Bolton at Home and Bolton Social Prescribing Network.
An audience experience of care remained uppermost in the development of the show. Support information was provided for all audience members via audience self-care packs, post-show conversations with mental health professionals and eating disorder experts and post-show creative workshops for those interested in exploring the content and themes of Joy Unspeakable further using creative tools.
Joy Unspeakable toured to 5 Greater Manchester venues (The Edge, Turnpike Gallery, Octagon Theatre Bolton, The Met, Pendleton Performing Arts College) in 5 GM boroughs in Sept/Oct 2024.
Creative Team & Cast
Director / Writer: Amy Hailwood
Musical Director, Composer & Sound Designer: Pierre Flasse
Movement Director: Jennifer Kay
Lighting Designer: Tracey Gibbs
Design Consultant: Sascha Gilmour
Dramaturg: Helen Monks
Assistant Dramaturg (R&D phase): Francesca Tennant
Engagement Lead: Lynsey O’Sullivan
Production Manager / Technical Stage Manager: Frances Allison
Assistant Stage Manager - Anita Ezeh
Casting Director: Francesca Tennant
Casting Consultant: Olivia Barr
Environmental Responsibility Consultant: Robin Lyons
Producer: Alastair Michael
Cast
Olivia: Kate Benfield
Tasha Dowd: Amy
Rachel Hammond: Blake
Erin Rydal: Sandra