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

Joy Unspeakable

I am interested in topics of contemporary social, political and spiritual relevance that relate to the here-and-now experience of living.
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