160503 preggers media pack - curiousmonkeytheatre.com

preggers by Amy Golding Presented by Curious Monkey Supported by Arts Council England, in Association with Live Theatre

curiousmonkey

tel +44 (0) 7793 360 260 email: [email protected]

Contents Company Contact Details Marketing Resources Tour Dates Production background information Key Selling Points and Target Audiences Brochure Copy Reviews and Audience Responses Company and Creative Team Box Office / Front of House Information Sheet Press Release

Company Contact Details Lighting Designer Simon Cole

07730572202 [email protected]

Stage Manager Rachel Glover


Consulting Producer Andrew Smaje


Marketing / Finance Jenny Dewar 07793360260 [email protected]

Writer/Performer Amy Golding



Marketing Resources Publicity Print: This production is supported by posters and flyers

which will be delivered directly to your venue

Box Office info Sheet: Please give a copy of this to your front of house / box office staff to inform and enthuse them about the show and the requirements of the ‘babes in arms’ performances

E-marketing resources Websites: Please create links from your website if possible

www.curiousmonkeytheatre.com

Videos: Videos of our work can be seen on our Channel: www.youtube.com/curiousmonkeytheatre

Download Images: Email [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter: @curiousmonkey_ #preggers

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/curiousmonkeytheatre

Follow our blog www.preggersplay.tumblr.com Press Interviews Amy Golding is available for interviews. Please contact

Jenny Dewar 07793360260

Press A sample press release is included in this pack.

Reviews We will work with your marketing teams to bring in local reviewers.


Tour Dates Newcastle Live Theatre 1 – 2 June (8pm)

2 June (11:30am)* 0191 232 1232 www.live.org.uk

Liverpool Unity Theatre 7 June (8pm) 8 June (11am)*

0151 709 4988 www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk

Doncaster CAST 9 June (7.45pm)

01302 303 95 www.castindoncaster.com

Exeter Bike Shed 14 – 18 June (7:30pm) 16 June (11am)*

01392 434169 www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

London Chats Palace 21 – 22 June (11am* & 7.45pm)

0208 533 0227 www.chatspalace.eventbrite.com

Alnwick Alnwick Playhouse 28 June (2:30pm* + 7:30pm)

01665 510785 www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

Leeds HUB, Slung Low 3 July (5pm)

Pay on door www.slunglow.org

* Although preggers is a play for adults, we want parents to feel able to bring babies under 18 months to daytime performances, indicated by an asterisk. Here parents can enjoy the show in a relaxed atmosphere where baby can jiggle, breastfeed, be taken in and out etc. Please be aware the performance contains some strong language.

Production background Amy began to develop preggers in 2015 as part of Curious Monkey’s organisational development project supported by Arts Council England. Since the seed of the idea, Amy has worked with Co-Directors Laura Lindow and Rachel Glover to develop the solo show with support from consulting producer Andrew Smaje. The creation of preggers started as an experiment, through which Amy tracked her experience of trying to become a mother, in real time as it happened. Amy reflects on the unexpected twists and turns that were part of that journey through the show. As part of the process, Amy has worked with Beccy Say (PHD in decision support for pregnant women) and new mums groups; collected stories from families, mums and other women who have suffered miscarriage; and begun research into the issues women face returning to work after having their first baby. Amy says about the production: “I was inspired to make this play by my mum, my nan and my big sister. I wanted to find out more about their experiences of motherhood and how things have changed from 1948 when my mum was born to now when I hope to become a mother. I am on a journey towards


motherhood, a journey that has been full of the joy of planning and conceiving a baby and also the difficult and traumatic experience of losing a baby. The play will track this unpredictable and complex journey. The show is a very personal story but I believe the themes it explores are universal - choices women have (and don't have) now and in the past around becoming parents, how it affects your career, family relationships and trying to plan something that is ultimately beyond your control.” With support from the Rosa Fund’s Voices from the Frontline project, Curious Monkey are doing research to create an online resource to support women working in the performing arts (and their friends/family). We are getting in touch with other organisations and campaigns such as Parents in Performing Arts, Tonic Theatre, Pregnant then Screwed, The Equality and Human Rights Commission, Mothers Who Make to name a few to make sure the resources we create do not replicate what is already there. We aim to compliment and link in with these other great resources and sign-post women and mothers to other information. The tour is supported by Arts Council England Grants for the Arts.

Key Selling Points and Target Audiences Curious Monkey is an award winning theatre company whose work has been seen on tour in the UK, South Africa and India. preggers is aimed at adults - especially new parents and people who have experienced miscarriage. The play will appeal to women and men 18 – 65 year old. We hope that new mums and their friends will attend and that families – mums, dads, sisters, daughters and sons will enjoy the production. Babes in Arms Performances* We are putting on relaxed performances during the day especially for mums (and dads) with babies under 18 months – we want to make sure it is accessible to those who are caring for babies. We would like to make spaces as accessible for parents as possible. We’d love your support with this. Ways of making sure parents are comfortable could include:

• Making sure there is space for pushchairs to be stored during the show • Access to toilets with baby changing facilities • Facilities to warm up milk (or FOH / bar staff who can help with this if required) • Allowing space on the floor where possible for babies to crawl • Allowing audience members in and out of the performance space during the show • Allowing brought-in snacks for babies to be eaten in the performance space

*Babes in Arms performances will happen at Live Theatre, Unity Theatre, The Bike Shed, Chat’s Palace and Alnwick Playhouse Along with the show, we will be offering post show Q and A sessions with writer and performer Amy Golding, Co-Director Rachel Glover and where possible with invited guests Beccy Say (PHD in decision support for pregnant women) and Dr Vicky Thomas (paediatrician) to talk about topics such as miscarriage; and Joeli Brearley (founder of Pregnant then Screwed) to talk about maternity rights. With support from the Rosa Fund, we are


doing research to create an online resource to support women working in the performing arts (and their friends/family).

Brochure Copy Billing preggers Presented by Curious Monkey Written and Performed by Amy Golding Co Directed by Laura Lindow and Rachel Glover Design by Imogen Cloët 150 words Amy Golding is an award-winning theatre-maker whose work has been seen across the UK, in South Africa and India. As Artistic Director of Curious Monkey, Amy makes shows from real stories, told to her by real people. Now she’s making her own story. It’s about the before, the now, and the ‘what might be’. Motherhood – what does it really mean for women now and for women of previous generations? Women like Amy’s mum, whose unconventional approach to family life was captured by a 1979 BBC documentary team. And Amy’s nan, who had her child just before the birth of the NHS. Amy explores the highs and lows, the heart swells and heartbreaks on the journey to create a new life. Playful, touching and provocative preggers is a show about family – being in one and starting one of your own. 25 words Amy’s making a play. It’s an experiment. It’s about motherhood. preggers is a show about family. Being in one and starting one of your own.

Reviews Quotes from reviews of previous productions: “The use of music to articulate the boys’ emotional lives is fascinating and ground breaking. In a hugely inventive piece of theatre built around passionate performances…” The Scotsman on Beats North Aug 2014 “The hour long show has an intangible, enigmatic almost ethereal quality […] the way they deliver their stories and opinions, so spontaneously and naturally is inspirational.” The Reviews Hub on Mamela 2013 Audience Responses For Mamela:


“Thank you for Mamela – blazing integrity, humanity and such power to heal, beautifully crafted and a gift to each of us lucky enough to see it.” Audience Member Live Theatre 2014 For Holocaust Memorial Day One Small Case “Curious Monkey makes work that gives people a crucial understanding of our history and society through stories"

Company Information Writer and Performer – Amy Golding, Artistic Director of Curious Monkey Co-Directed by Laura Lindow and Rachel Glover Design by Imogen Cloët Lighting Design by Simon Cole Consulting Producer - Andrew Smaje Stage Management – Rachel Glover and Simon Cole Curious Monkey is an international award winning Theatre Company based in Newcastle upon Tyne founded by two young women with the aim of bringing to life stories that deserve to be told. Curious Monkey’s work gives a voice to underrepresented and marginalised people, raising awareness of the issues they face. They provide inclusive participatory experiences, helping to improve people’s wellbeing, confidence and skills, and make professional theatre that is relevant and accessible to the people in our communities and that asks questions about the world. Creative team Writer/Performer Amy Golding is Artistic Director of Curious Monkey. Amy recently wrote Everything is Wondrous for Live Theatre and is currently working with Paddy Campbell on Leaving. Amy is a Clore Cultural Leadership Fellow. Co-Director Laura Lindow’s credits include Key Change, Donna Disco and Heartbreak Soup. Laura has written and directed for Live Theatre, Chicken Pox Fox, Open Clasp and recently toured her own solo show Then LEAP. Co-Director and Stage Manager Rachel Glover is a director, performer and stage manager, a member of Precious Cargo Theatre Company and previous resident drama worker at Live Theatre. Andrew Smaje is an independent consultant & producer and is currently Executive Director of Actors Touring Company. Andrew has supported Curious Monkey for the last 2 years as part of The Empty Space’s programme This Way Up. Simon Cole has worked with Curious Monkey as lighting designer and production manager on Bunker Blues, One Small Case & Imagine for Holocaust Memorial Day, Mamela and Beats North. Simon currently works with Eden Arts and was previously technical manager at Arc Stockton.


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Box Office Information Sheet preggers is presented by Curious Monkey, an award winning Theatre Company based in Newcastle upon Tyne who have toured work in the UK and South Africa. Length: approx. 80 mins (no interval) Age suitability: General audience 14+

Babes in Arms performances parents/carers are welcome to bring in babies under 18 months old.

What’s the show about? preggers is a solo show written and performed by Amy Golding, Artistic Director of Curious Monkey. It’s about 3 generations of women and their experiences of motherhood. Including stories of pregnancy, miscarriage, experiences with the NHS and attempting to work out how to be a mum and have a career. Playful, touching and provocative preggers is a show about family – being in one and starting one of your own. The play explores universal themes of family, the journey to find love, making future plans, challenges of illness and miscarriage, becoming a mother, being a daughter and sister, and working out how all that fits together. Who will like it? The play is aimed at adults - especially new parents and people who have experienced miscarriage. The play will appeal to male and female audiences aged 18 – 65 years. We hope that new mums and their friends will attend, that family members – mums, sisters, daughters and sons will enjoy the production. Babes in Arms Performances We are putting on relaxed performances during the day especially for mums (and dads) with babies under 18 months – where the audience members can feel free to breast feed, jiggle about, make noise and come in and out of the theatre if they need to. The play is aimed at adults - especially new parents and people who have experienced miscarriage and we want to make sure it is accessible to those who are caring for babies. Selling Points & Extras This is a unique show where babies are welcome, but the show is made for adults. preggers brings current and relevant topics to the stage, with themes that affect all of us. Along with the show, we will be offering post show Q and A sessions with writer and performer Amy Golding, Co-Director Rachel Glover and where possible with invited guests Beccy Say (PHD in decision support for pregnant women) and Dr Vicky Thomas (paediatrician) to talk about topics such as miscarriage; and Joeli Brearley (founder of Pregnant then Screwed) to talk about maternity rights. With support from the Rosa Fund, we are doing research to create an online resource to support women working in the performing arts (and their friends/family).

www.curiousmonkeytheatre.com / www.fb.com/curoiusmonkeytheatre


curiousmonkey

Sample Press Release

Preggers TOURING JUNE/JULY 2016

Amy’s making a play. It’s an experiment. It’s about Motherhood.

Presented by Curious Monkey Written and Performed by Amy Golding Co Directed by Laura Lindow and Rachel Glover Amy Golding is an award-winning theatre-maker whose work has been seen across the UK and in South Africa. As Artistic Director of Curious Monkey, Amy makes shows from real stories, told to her by real people. Now she’s making her own story. It’s about the before, the now, and the ‘what might be’. Motherhood – what does it really mean for women now and for women of previous generations? Women like Amy’s mum, whose unconventional approach to family life was captured by a 1979 BBC documentary team. And Amy’s nan, who had her child just before the birth of the NHS. Amy explores the highs and lows, the heart swells and heartbreaks on the journey to create a new life. Playful, touching and provocative preggers is a show about family – being in one and starting one of your own.


Tour and Extras Supported by Arts Council England and the Rosa Fund. Development supported by Live Theatre. Newcastle Live Theatre 1 – 2 June (8pm), 2 June (11:30am) Liverpool Unity Theatre 7 June (8pm), 8 June (11am) Doncaster CAST 9 June (7.45pm) Exeter Bike Shed 14 – 18 June (7:30pm), 16 June (11am) London Chats Palace 21 – 22 June (11am & 7.45pm) Alnwick Alnwick Playhouse 28 June, (2:30pm + 7:30pm) Leeds HUB, Slung Low 3 July (5pm) Along with the show, we will be offering post show Q and A sessions with writer and performer Amy Golding, Co-Director Rachel Glover and where possible with invited guests Beccy Say (PHD in decision support for pregnant women) and Dr Vicky Thomas (paediatrician) to talk about topics such as miscarriage; and Joeli Brearley (founder of Pregnant then Screwed) to talk about maternity rights. With support from the Rosa Fund, we are doing research to create an online resource to support women working in the performing arts (and their friends/family). We are getting in touch with other organisations and campaigns such as Parents in Performing Arts, Tonic Theatre, Pregnant then Screwed, The Equality and Human Rights Commission, Mothers Who Make to name a few to make sure the resources we create do not replicate what is already there. We aim to compliment and link in with these other great resources and sign-post women and mothers to other information. Amy says about the production: “I was inspired to make this play by my mum, my nan and my big sister. I wanted to find out more about their experiences of motherhood and how things have changed from 1948 when my mum was born to now when I hope to become a mother. I am on a journey towards motherhood, a journey that has been full of the joy of planning and conceiving a baby and also the difficult and traumatic experience of losing a baby. The play will track this unpredictable and complex journey. The show is a very personal story but I believe the themes it explores are universal - choices women have (and don't have) now and in the past around becoming parents, how it affects your career, family relationships and trying to plan something that is ultimately beyond your control.” Previews / Reviews Amy Golding is available for interviews leading up to and during the tour. Please contact Jenny Dewar on 07793360260 to arrange interviews or complimentary tickets to attend and review the show. Fundraising Throughout May Curious Monkey will be raising funds to support the wrap around activity to the tour through Kickstarter. Please see our campaign here: http://kck.st/1SC2NYT


The Company Writer and Performer – Amy Golding, Artistic Director of Curious Monkey Co-Directed by Laura Lindow and Rachel Glover Design by Imogen Cloët Lighting Design Simon Cole Consulting Producer - Andrew Smaje Stage Management – Rachel Glover and Simon Cole Curious Monkey is an international award winning theatre company based in Newcastle upon Tyne founded by two young women with the aim of bringing to life stories that deserve to be told. Curious Monkey’s work gives a voice to underrepresented and marginalised people, raising awareness of the issues they face. They provide inclusive participatory experiences, helping to improve people’s wellbeing, confidence and skills, and make professional theatre that is relevant and accessible to the people in our communities and that asks questions about the world. *WINNER* - Journal Culture Award – Best Performance 2014 for Mamela - Ovation Award for innovation and excellence on the fringe at the National Arts Festival

of South Africa 2013 for Mamela - Northern Stage Title Pending Award for new theatre for Beats North 2013 www.curiousmonkeytheatre.com www.fb.com/curiousmonkeytheatre

www.twitter.com/curiousmonkey_ www.preggersplay.tumblr.com

The Creative Team Writer/Performer Amy Golding is Artistic Director of Curious Monkey. Amy recently wrote Everything is Wondrous for Live Theatre and is currently working with Paddy Campbell on Curious Monkey’s next production, Leaving. Amy is a Clore Cultural Leadership Fellow. Co-Director Laura Lindow’s credits include Key Change, Donna Disco and Heartbreak Soup. Laura has written and directed for Live Theatre, Chicken Pox Fox, Open Clasp and recently toured her own solo show Then LEAP. Co-Director and Stage Manager Rachel Glover is a director, performer and stage manager, a member of Precious Cargo Theatre Company and previous resident drama worker at Live Theatre. Andrew Smaje is an independent consultant & producer and is currently Executive Director of Actors Touring Company. Andrew has supported Curious Monkey for the last 2 years as part of The Empty Space’s programme This Way Up. Simon Cole has worked with Curious Monkey as lighting designer and production manager on Bunker Blues, Mamela and Beats North. Simon currently works with Eden Arts and was previously technical manager at Arc Stockton. For more information please contact Jenny Dewar on: +44 (0) 7793360260 or [email protected]

160503 preggers media pack - curiousmonkeytheatre.com

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