Alright my lovelies, stop fiddling with your stamps and settle in – I’ve got a fresh delivery from Deafinitely Theatre, and it’s a first-class one. Artistic Director Paula Garfield, MBE (yes, royalty of the theatre postbag herself) has just announced the cast for their touring production of Barrier(s) by Eloise Pennycott. And who’s popping up in this love-letter to communication and connection? None other than Em Prendergast and Zoë McWhinney.
Now, this isn’t just a stage romance – it’s a story about love across deaf and hearing worlds. Katie and Alana (that’s our Zoë and Em) are navigating not just the usual “who left the kettle on?” rows but the bigger question: when the world keeps putting barriers up, how do you keep love alive?
The Route (so you don’t miss it):
- The Rep, Birmingham – 18–25 October (press invited 21 Oct)
- HOME, Manchester – 6–8 November
- Camden People’s Theatre, London – 11–29 November (press night 11 Nov – and Camden’s shiny new Artistic Director Rio Matchett is rolling out their first season, no less!)
Why Grace is Excited:
Eloise Pennycott is a bit of a firecracker. She debuted this play at the National Theatre three years ago and it’s blossomed into something bigger, warmer, and braver. Her words: “I cannot wait to bring this production to our audiences.” Paula Garfield calls it “heartwarming and revolutionary” – and frankly, I’ll trust a woman with an MBE and a career of knocking down walls for deaf artists.
The Cast I’m Sticking a Stamp On:
- Zoë McWhinney (Katie): Zoë is no stranger to Deafinitely audiences, having toured with the company in Everyday. Her stage work stretches from the Globe, where she appeared in Antony and Cleopatra, to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in A Night in Sign, as well as productions at the Barbican, Polka Theatre and even theatres in Norway and Belfast. Beyond acting, she’s a prize-nominated poet in British Sign Language – twice runner-up for BSL Poet Laureate and shortlisted for the Forward Poetry Prize. She also consults on BSL for heavyweight companies like the RSC, and recently contributed to Dead Centre’s acclaimed adaptation of Deaf Republic at the Royal Court and Dublin Theatre Festival. A graduate of École de Théâtre Universelle’s Visual Theatre in French Sign Language programme, Zoë brings both depth and artistry to every role she takes on.
- Em Prendergast (Alana): Em is a versatile actor who works across integrated BSL, SSE and spoken English, making their performances as layered as they are accessible. Their theatre credits take in big stages like the National Theatre with The Odyssey and Leeds Playhouse with Animal Farm, through to intimate spaces such as Van Gogh House in A Clear Comfort. Seasonal favourites include A Christmas Carol at both Hull Truck and Leeds Playhouse, plus Alice in Wonderland with Global English Theatre. They’ve toured nationally with Under Milk Wood, appeared in new writing such as The Witchfinder’s Sister at Queen’s Theatre, and tackled classics like Dracula and Welcome to Thebes. On screen, Em has popped up in EastEnders and Doctors. They’re also developing their own work: most recently in the Soho Writers Lab, they’ve been crafting a lesbian adaptation of Lorca’s Yerma – a project that underlines their bold, contemporary approach to storytelling.
Grace’s Satchel Seal of Approval:
This one’s got everything: love, deaf and hearing worlds colliding, and a team led by Paula Garfield that never fails to pack a punch. Expect warmth, humour, intimacy, and a fight to be understood – theatre at its very best.
So, what do I say? Stamp it, seal it, send it – this is a must-see.
The Rep, Birmingham – 18 – 25 October at 7pm
2pm matinees on 23 October and 25 October
Press Night: 21 October at 7:00pm
6 Centenary Square
Birmingham
B1 2EP
Box office: 0121 236 4455 / www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
TICKETS £10.00-£12.00
HOME, Manchester– 6 – 8 November at 7:45pm
2 Tony Wilson Place
Manchester
M15 4FN
Box office: 0161 200 1500 / https://homemcr.org/
TICKETS £23.20-£11.20
Camden People’s Theatre, London – 11 – 29 November at 7:30pm
2pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays
Press Night: 11 November at 7:30pm
58-60 Hampstead Road
London
NW1 2PY
Box office: 020 7419 4841 / https://cptheatre.co.uk/
TICKETS £12.00-£18.00
