I was kindly invited by Andrew and Ella from Bold! Bradford to share a 30 minute extract of my solo show, Service with a Smile, at their latest scratch night in November. Taking place at The Underground, I shared the stage with beautiful poet and dance duo, Sammy and Devina, and music maestro, Musumba. 

This was the longest staged sharing of my piece yet and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to explore transitions between scenes, puppetry within the storytelling, and the reality of juggling lines, cleaning and continuity onstage! 

Directing this version was Leanne Rowley - someone I hugely admire in the industry, who brings warmth, creativity and technical know-how in abundance. We shared a rehearsal room for one single day to prepare for Bold! and let's just say I slept well that night! I'm grateful Leanne stretched my performing abilities beyond what I thought possible, in such a short time frame, to build this world onstage. 

The audience play a huge part in Bold! nights as they are all asked to complete feedback forms based on questions we as artists have about our work. The response was outstanding. Supportive, constructive, connected, generous - the list goes on. Bradford is lucky to have so many champions of local art. 

Andrew and Ella have created a space encouraging bravery, vulnerability and community. Their professionalism and encouragement throughout the process knew no bounds - leading to a safe, supportive performing environment. I've never known a scratch night to also offer a reflection session after the event to define next steps for a project. It's been a special and privileged room to be in. 

It's always the people that make projects like this so memorable. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the show and watched my performance. That night has reignited my passion to resubmit my ACE R&D bid so hopefully Service with a Smile can be back with a bang in 2026. 

If you missed it, the wonderful Keyhan Modaressi filmed the entire performance, available below:

We Will Sing was the last project I thought I'd have the opportunity to work on this year. In April, Dr Claire Wellesley-Smith reached out as we'd worked on 509 Arts Lost Mills and Ghost Mansions together. She offered teaming up as the Live Programme Producers for Ann Hamilton's installation in the rooftop space of Salts Mill, commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and Arts Council England. 

How could I say no? 

So I've spent the past six months bringing community groups on specialist trips of the space, coordinating the live readers in the booth, and producing public events to celebrate the work. We had choirs performing, a panel discussion with the artist and curators, letters to the future written, poetry shared, prayers sung - and so much more. 

The team involved are expansive and have so generously supported this project. Working with an international textile artist such as Ann Hamilton is unlike any other experience - she is generous, trusting and full of love for the connections made in the space. 

I will miss my time spent in the rooftop space of Salts Mill. The beautiful discussions over coffee and cake in the Espresso Bar. Emily Eagen's whistles through the revolving horns as I arrive through the lift. But as Ann said so gently in the panel on Friday, "We Will Sing lives on inside you now."