Preview: Unruly, Mayflower Studios, Southampton

Preview: Unruly, Mayflower Studios, Southampton

Unruly, a ground-breaking production about the power of friendship, community, and resistance, embarks on its national tour across the UK this spring, stopping off at Mayflower Studios – as part of its Shout Season – on 17 April 2025.

Unruly, a bold new show written and performed by Vici Wreford-Sinnott, embarks on its highly anticipated 2025 national tour.

A dynamic exploration of disability rights, friendship, and social justice, the production pushes the boundaries of theatre, offering integral captioning and integrated British Sign Language (BSL) for accessibility, audio description is woven into the script, making the experience inclusive for all attendees.

At the heart of Unruly is Marina, who reflects on the revolutionary journey she shared with her childhood friend Suze, a fellow activist and powerhouse of the disability rights movement. Together, they were a force, taking on oppressive systems with their bold, post-punk attitude and a refusal to be silenced.

But now, Marina must grapple with the loss of Suze, and the revolution halts, if only for a moment, as she processes their shared legacy.

The show explores whether all the sacrifices were worth it, questioning the personal cost of activism, while Marina removes the layers of identity that were imposed on her throughout her life.

Unruly’s thought-provoking narrative is brought to life through the collaboration of Wreford-Sinnott and the award-winning composer and musician, Beccy Owen, with direction by Bex Bowsher.

The production is a rare example of disabled women-led theatre, offering a passionate call to action. Through Marina’s story, the show examines the fierce resilience of disabled women and invites audiences to reflect on the importance of standing up to injustice.

“This is a story about visibility, resistance, and the unwavering strength that comes from community,” said Wreford-Sinnott. “It’s about refusing to be invisible in a world that tries to erase you, and finding the courage to say, ‘no more.”

Unruly is an urgent, impassioned performance that highlights the radical, often invisible figures who have shaped the disability rights movement. By celebrating these unsung heroines, the production asks audiences to consider their own role in the fight for justice.

Unruly is produced by ARC Stockton with support from Arts Council England and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Unruly is part of Mayflower Studios Shout Season. Shout Season gives a platform to traditionally underrepresented voices in the industry in our community.

Tickets for Unruly (Thursday 17 April 2025) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.

  • In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton