May
© Photography by Ben Pryor and Camilla Adams
The carousel displays images from ‘May’ in performance.
About
"Making the choice to fight even when you know you might not win."
‘May’ is the widely forgotten story of “cripple suffragette” Rosa May Billinghurst. Based on a true story, written and performed by Phoebe Kemp, directed by Rachel Adams and Anna Carr, MAY has a unique take on the fight for women’s rights.
“A one woman show that portrays the un-known struggle with such detail and commitment, you are spellbound throughout.”
Theatre Bath ****
The play uses original letters and extracts between May, her family, Emmeline Pankhurst and other suffragettes. As well as exploring the constrictions facing women, May also journeys into elements of the unspoken LGB experience, sexual repression and barriers faced by disabled people.
May played a key role in the women's rights movement. Today, in a society where many continue to fight for their voices to be heard, Kemp returns to her story and asks, ‘how far have we come in 100 years?’
Details
Age recommendation: 10+
Performance: 50 mins with 20 minute Q+A session afterwards
November 2019 tour shows included integrated audio description, and touch tours are available to all ticket holders.
If you or your venue is interested in hosting May, more information can be found in our tour pack. Click here to download.
Credits
Written and performed by Phoebe Kemp // Directed by Rachel Adams and Anna Carr // Design by Natalie Remington // Produced by Wyldwood Arts // Supported using Funding by Arts Council England // Special thanks to Town Hall Arts, Trowbridge and Davinci Mobility