“I am convinced that being every minority under the sun gives me the right to have an opinion on EVERYTHING.”

Girl is an old soul; but as a British, mixed-race, working-class, queer woman in her mid-twenties, it wasn’t exactly her choice to grow up so fast.

In this coming-of-age, uplifting story of self-discovery and hope, we get an insight into what it means to grow up differently to the world immediately around you, and how that can skew your idea of home, friendship and most importantly, love.

“Most people fantasise about their crush showing them love. I fantasise about mine dealing with conflict properly… Ooh Yeah, baby. That’s it. Offer me a cup of tea and apologise with changed behaviour!”

Is humour a good healthy coping mechanism for deteriorating mental health? Maybe not. But hey, at least she’s finally talking about it with someone!

Things I Can Laugh About Now is a tragicomedy that contains themes of domestic abuse, suicide, mental illness, and has strong language from the offset… but like most things in life, we’ll learn to laugh that all off.

Tickets £10, or book for two shows in the Housemates Festival for only £15.

Recommended age: 16+ Trigger warning: Domestic abuse, suicide, complex trauma and strong language

Book your tickets here

Cast: Shakira Newton

Creative Team:
Writer/Performer — Shakira Newton
Director — Carlo (Lo) Feliciani Ojeda

Photo credit: © The Other Richard