Troubled

It’s 1993, Mum won’t let Alice go to Funderland because Belfast is burning.

‘How about Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and Chinese chicken balls instead?’

So between Belfast and London, Troubled follows Alice - a ‘Troubles’ kid - navigating the chaos of her past while trying to build a future. As the voices in her head battle it out over tea and biscuits, she finds herself torn between memory and possibility, between fear and connection.

Fast forward to 2023, where Alice meets Tim, falling in love (finally) but can she escape the legacy of a childhood shaped by conflict or is this the moment everything unravels?

With warmth, humour and unflinching honesty, Troubled invites audiences into Alice’s world, where the past lingers and healing feels just out of reach.

Blending storytelling, projection, and audience interaction, Troubled reckons with the past, offering us hope for the future.

Troubled is an extraordinary tale of love, loss and human connection - told with tea and biscuits. Blending storytelling, projection and audience interaction, Troubled reckons with the past, offering us renewed hope for the future.

TRIGGER WARNING:

This performance contains reference to BPD, alcohol misuse, conflict within home/society, descriptive language around a mental health crisis (incl reference to self harm/ hearing voices), bereavement.

The lead artist has created this story based on her own lived experience and subsequent recovery. Whilst these subjects are heavy, they are placed in the context of a recovery journey and a feeling that a journey towards wellbeing is possible.

Age recommendation: 16yrs+

ACCESSIBILITY:

There will be music playing as part of this event, as well as sound effects, to set the scene, but no sudden loud bangs. There will be no strobe or flashing lights, there could potentially be a spotlight if available but not crowd facing. No other sensory aspects.

Written and performed by Suzy Crothers

Produced by Rachael Halliwell

Directed by Amie Burns Walker

Movement direction by Nancy Kettle

Lighting and video by Rachel Sampley

Sound by Ed Heaton

Dramaturgy by Adam Foster, Caroline Horton

Executive Producer - Roisin Gallagher

Creative Associate and Community Facilitation by Annie Sutton

Access support by Ruth Mariner and Alice Dunham

Executive Producers - Roisin Gallagher and Patrick Handley

Created with kind support from Arts Council England and Patrick Handley.

Thanks to: Lemn Sissay, Kate Baiden, Haley McGee, Georgia Hudson, Finbar Caules, Emily Carewe, Benn Keaveney, Tinderbox, Dr Emma Janes, Ellen Waghorn, Ruth Crothers, CCEN.

Developed with Camden People’s Theatre, The Beaney Museum of Art and Knowledge, London Irish Centre, Crest Academy, Open School East, Arts Education Exchange, Dover Arts Development, Graeae, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, 1 Degree East.