There are some subjects which require careful handling. Careful execution. But there is also the challenge and requirement to deliver information, share experiences, provide insight in a way that commands attention and draws in engagement.

In this fast-paced world we live in, there’s a lot competing for our attention…

Performance theatre and the arts is an important way to reach people. Of course there are a number of different methods within this area in which you can tell your (or indeed someone else’s) story.

Ordinary Glory, at the wonderful venue that is The Edge, in Chorlton, weren’t messing about on this front.

Joy Unspeakable presents the verbatim testimonies of four women with different eating disorders. And for four years, the company have been developing the play in consultation with mental health and eating disorder experts, including experts by lived experience.

Cast Kate Benfield (Olivia), Tasha Dowd (Amy), Rachel Hammond (Blake) and Erin Rydal (Sandra) gave everything to this informed performance, clearly passionate about doing the topic and women’s stories justice. And we were on their side from the moment they each sprung out and introduced themselves, who they’d be playing and one fun fact. A theatrical ice-breaker, as it were, which provided a comforting reassurance that we were all in a safe space, we were allowed to smile, and we were all going to get along just fine.

You see, when on the way in you’re handed headphones to wear at any point you feel discomfort, triggered or experience an emotional response to the material, to the point that you need a little escape, the thoughts are two-fold.

First is a feeling of ironic panic from being provided with wellbeing equipment – Oh no, have I underestimated how I’m going to handle hearing these women’s journeys to the extent that I need wellbeing equipment? It’s Friday night, what am I doing?

But this is swiftly followed by the opposing comfort and gratitude that you have wellbeing equipment, ready to employ at any given time. Even on a Friday night.

And don’t worry, we had the added reassurance that even though after the 90 minutes we were going to be set free on the streets of Chorlton, cold turkey without the headphones to block out any uncomfortable thoughts and inner monologue of our own, there was a care pack on every seat to take home, designed and packed by local community members with experience of mental ill health.

A safe space.

But you know what, that space and stage was steeped in creativity too. We weren’t here just for a verbatim monologue of each story and experience, and an education in eating disorders, We, it seemed, were also here to enjoy ourselves. I know – who knew?! And was…that ok?

Yes it was ok to enjoy the unexpected (well sort of- the instruments set out on stage was our first clue) early foray into ‘musical theatre’ territory, as our cast became triple threats in not only their acting, but musicianship and vocal talents too.

And it was very ok to marvel. Marvel at the bravery and confidence of four women undressing and standing in front of us in simple underwear, owning their bodies, exuding joy and relief, before symbolically redressing in brighter, bolder, free-er clothes – no longer wishing to hide from the world.

And the physical movement as the cast interacted with each other, symbolically supporting each other as their characters and as women, and also literally supporting each other as performers with some lovely, seamless and graceful choreography, was mesmerising and moving.

Telling somebody else’s story (not only of the four women represented but of thousands, millions of others who have or had their own relatable journeys) carries with it an incredible responsibility, to not inflate, reduce, misrepresent or diminish, but to do it due dilligence.

And as we were all asked to put on those wellbeing equipment headphones as the show drew to a close, we were given the intimate experience of hearing the real voices of those who had generously shared their stories with the cast and crew. A cast and crew who were respectful, and careful, and clearly understood the importance of the brief, taking it to a place of education, support and, yes, entertainment too.

For more details on Ordinary Glory, Joy Unspeakable including further dates and tickets, visit https://www.ordinaryglory.co.uk/shows

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CREATIVE TEAM

Kate Benfield (She/her)

Tasha Dowd (They/them)

Rachel Hammond (She/her) 

Erin Rydal (She/They/He)

Director & Writer – Amy Hailwood (She/her)

Musical Director, Composer & Sound Designer – Pierre Flasse (He/him)

Movement Director – Jennifer Kay (She/her)

Lighting Designer – Tracey Gibbs (She/her)

Dramaturg – Helen Monks (She/her)

Assistant Dramaturg (R & D stage) – Francesca Tennant (She/her)

Production Manager / Technical Stage Manager – Frances Allison (She/her)