‘Birds & Bees’
‘Birds & Bees’ is back! After a Covid19 delay and diversion into a film (see details below) it’s here! I’m so proud of this fresh version of the play.
If, like me, you had shit sex ed then you’ll know the ripple effect of it is huge. Particularly those of us who grew under the shadow of Section 28. We all deserve so much better. I’ve loved making this with Rob Watt, Theatre Centre and a whole load of brilliant young people. I’m proper thrilled to be taking it into venues & schools. Let’s start a national conversation about sex education!
All tour details are here!
Published by Concord Theatricals.
I have written some thoughts on making ‘queer’ work in ‘straight’ venues here.
Theatre Team: Directed by Rob Watt. Designed by Bethany Wells. Composer and Sound Designer is Lee Affen. Lighting designer Hector Murray. Movement by Yami “Rowdy” Lövfenberg. Performed by Sandra Belarbi, Richard Logun, Milo McCarthy and Dumile Sibanda.
‘Birds & Bees’ - Film
The play was originally due to tour in 2020. In response to Covid19 we made a film of the play to be released to schools as part of a Digital Package. The package includes online live workshops, Q&A with the creatives, and 18 lesson plans for teachers in PSHE, English and Drama! It is FREE for all state schools in the country! It was also available for public viewing at Soho Theatre online.
Film Team: Performed by EM Williams, Ike Bennett, Narisha Lawson and Ida Regan. Directed by Rob Watt. Produced by Steven Atkinson. Sound and Composition by Xana. Movement Director is Damilola ‘DK’ Fashola. Director of Photography is Archie Short. Plus a whole load of other brilliant creatives listed here.
Personal: What was hard: Writing something contemporary and adult whilst remaining age appropriate. Finding the frame for this story took a few big re-writes! Quickly adapting to making a film instead of a live performance. What I’m most proud of: The incredible creative team that adapted quickly and pulled together during a global pandemic to make a film! I’m really excited by the lesson plans that are released as part of the digital package - the care that’s gone into supporting teachers structuring these vulnerable conversations in a safe way. What I learnt: So much about the education system, how government policy really affects the classroom. How to collaborate with a big creative team, how to let go and trust. That this is exactly the kind of work I want to be making; it’s important and scary and exciting.