The Joan Littlewood Story

This show was created to celebrate the centenary of Joan Littlewood’s birth and debuted as a work in progress at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe festival. Despite turning British theatre into what it is today it was the only show at the Fringe that remembered her! Why was this theatrical genius overlooked? Perhaps because she was a woman? Perhaps because she was an unashamed proponent of Communism? But most probably it’s because she wasn’t always very nice. Why do women have to be ‘nice?’ This is a Joan’s show made Joan’s way. It is fast-paced, political and passionate. There are lots of songs, dances and jokes. Copious research was the shows foundation, then came extensive improvisation including an 8 hour Barbara Windsor meet and greet at the 2014 London Pride march. Once we knew the characters through improvisation the structure was created and finally there came a script. Each performance changes a little as it responds to its audience. It is a one woman show.