Photo by Jessica Zschorn
A Middle Child production in collaboration with Milk Presents
Modest
Written by Ellen Brammar
Music by Rachel Barnes
Directed by Luke Skilbeck and Paul Smith
Music hall, theatre and drag king swagger collide as Modest brings you Elizabeth Thompson – megastar of the Victorian art scene.
In 1874 Elizabeth stuns the Royal Academy with her painting, Roll Call. Five years later, she falls two votes short of becoming the first woman elected to the academy.
In between, she must shoulder the hopes and dreams of women across the country, while fighting for her place at a table full of top hats, ties and mutton chop beards.
Performed by a cast featuring the UK’s hottest drag talent, this electrifying new play will break your heart and start a revolution.
Written by Ellen Brammar (I Hate Alone) with music by Rachel Barnes, Modest is a good night out co-directed by Luke Skilbeck (Milk Presents) and Paul Smith (Middle Child). It features movement direction by Tamar and Jo, set design by QianEr Jin, costume design by Terry Herfield and sound design by Eliyana Evans.
Modest is a collaboration between Hull-based Middle Child and artist-led Milk Presents (JOAN, Trans Filth and Joy), two award-winning companies, developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme.
Guidance
Age recommendation: 14+
Running time: 2hr 20m, including an interval
Content warnings: strong language, misogyny, detailed description of combat injuries, trans themes and body dysmorphia. See our content notes page for a more detailed plot summary.
Dates
Hull Truck Theatre, Hull
23-27 May
Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
9-10 June
Northern Stage, Newcastle
12-13 June
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
16-17 June
Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
19-21 June
Slung Low Warehouse, Holbeck
23 June
Kiln Theatre, London
29 June – 15 July
★★★★
“Rollicking piece of gig theatre… stonking performances and stunning singing”
The Guardian
★★★★
“Brammar’s exceptional piece uses a potent mix of drag, searing comedy, indignant fury and tenderness”
The Stage
★★★★
“Hugely pleasurable watch… delivers punch after punch”
WhatsOnStage
Photos
Photos by Tom Arran
Video
Cast
Isabel Adomakoh Young
RA Three/Frances/Hanging Committee
Jacqui Bardelang
Millais/Cora/Aide
Emer Dineen
Elizabeth
LJ Parkinson
RA One/Mary
Fizz Sinclair
Alice/RA Two
Libra Teejay
Bessie/Queen Vic
Creative and Production Team
Writer
Composer and Musical Director
Directors
Assistant Director
Set Designer
Movement Directors
Costume Designer
Associate Costume Designer
Sian Thomas
Sound Designer and Music Producer
Sound Engineer
Lighting Designer
Dramaturg
Producer
Bellaray Bertrand-Webb
Stage Manager
Deputy Stage Manager
Danielle Harris
Company Stage Manager
Shona Wright
Production Manager
Sensitivity Reader
Modest is supported by:
We also wish to thank the following people and organisations for their support in creating Modest:
Lindsey Alvis, Alice Beaumont, Leila Bertrand, Emma Bright, Alex Brook, Tommi Bryson, Hattie Callery, Kaja Chan, Sophie Clay, Critical Fish, Rachel Dale, Fatt Projects, Adam Foley, Lucy Foy, Fly Girl Films, Emma Hassall, Tilly Hirst, HPSS, Annie Kirkman, Rozzy Knox, Adrian McDougall, Finlay McGuigan, Jodie Mitchell, Anna Mitchelson, Jess Morley, Nenda Neururer, Nick Hern Books, Freya Noman, Evie Osbon, Alice Palmer, Alan Plews at Top Show, Jow Rose, Breon Snowden, sobananapenguin, Nigel Taylor and Jessica Zschorn.
