ABOUT
I co-wrote, directed and produced BARRY, the debut show of Shrinking Violet Theatre Collective.
“BARRY is a devised verbatim performance about the transgender doctor, James Barry. Barry has been misrepresented throughout history as Edinburgh University’s first “woman” graduate.
We take issue with this.
Through Barry’s story, we embark on a messy exploration of our own experiences of gender, privilege and ownership, leaving us questioning why some narratives are heard over others, and whether Barry’s story is even ours to tell. Expect lip-syncing, drag, music, big skirts, medical masks, lots of dancing and a handful of historical accuracy
Bringing the 19th Century into the present day, baby”.

CAST/COMPANY
Chloe Austin
Ryan Avery Long
Louisa Doyle
Jess Haygarth
Charlotte Hawkins
Kathrine Payne
Francesca Sellors
Angela O’Callaghan
Aggie Dolan
PAST PERFORMANCES
Vault Festival (2022, cancelled)
Summerhall, (Jan 2020)
Stereo (Jan 2020)
Partisan Collective (Jan 2020)
Bedlam Fringe (2019)
WORK IN PROGRESSES/RESIDENCIES
The Holbeck, Slung Low (Jan 2020)
Curve Theatre Leicester (April 2019)
Shortlisted for the Charlie Hartill Reserve Fund (January 2020)

REVIEWS
Process documented in this article for The Sunday Times by company co-founder Lou Doyle.
“A clever and energetic show from Shrinking Violet, BARRY is a joy to watch” – The Skinny
“What Shrinking Violet has to offer is a fierce and fresh take on theatre making” – The Wee
Review
