The “Failure Project” is a sincere, humorous, and touching exploration of what it genuinely means to “fail” and how we find the strength to rebuild from it. Following her well-received stint at the Edinburgh Festival, BAFTA nominee Yolanda Mercy returns with this daring new show.
Meet Ade—a writer who seems to have everything going for her. Her career is on the rise, she’s finally moved out of her mum’s house, and even her complicated relationship status is mostly under control. Yet just when life appears perfect, things begin to fall apart.
This project offers a raw and heartfelt journey filled with humour and vulnerability that resonates with anyone who’s ever faced setbacks and found their way through them. It’s an opportunity not to be missed—this relatable work will leave you laughing, reflecting, and cheering for Ade every step of the way!
Winner of the BESTIE award for “Solo performance” at Edinburgh Fringe 2024.
On Sat 7 June (30 mins): Q&A – Creative Hustle. In these challenging times, how do you find resilience to keep making art? Join us for a Q&A session with writer-performer Yolanda Mercy and dramaturg Jules Haworth.
Yolanda Mercy performs as well as writes and directs. Her theatre credits include Bin Gal Tings (ATYP/British Council – writer/director), Supper Club Current (Arc Stockton – writer/director), The Lies You Tell (Film4/Hightide – writer), Who Prays For The Preacher (Soho Theatre – writer), Quarter Life Crisis (Bridge Theatre, International Tour – writer/performer), On The Edge (UK Tour – writer/performer). Her television credits include Queenie (Channel 4/Disney – writer) and BBW (Channel 4 – BAFTA-nominated).
Yolanda Mercy’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. As an award-winning British Nigerian writer and performer, she has made a remarkable impact on screen, stage, and audio both nationally and internationally. Her work spans eight countries across three continents, earning her well-deserved international acclaim. Recognised as an Artist to Watch by the British Council and a participant in the BFI x BAFTA mentoring scheme under Anne Mensah’s guidance, Yolanda is forging an impressive path across diverse mediums.
Her accolades include winning the prestigious Channel 4 Playwright Award, with her writing gracing platforms like the Huffington Post. As a published author with Bloomsbury Books for her acclaimed play “Quarter Life Crisis” and Nick Hern Books for “Failure Project,” Yolanda continues to inspire through her words.
Described as “relatable, funny and very honest,” her productions captivate audiences with their unique blend of comedy, music, and audience participation—elements that make each live show unforgettable. Her collaborations with esteemed clients such as Disney, Channel 4, The Bridge Theatre, Soho Theatre, BBC, The Tate Modern Gallery (Tate), ATYP (Australian Theatre for Young People), Somerset House Trust Limited (Somerset House) ,and The British Council further highlight her dynamic influence in the arts world. Yolanda Mercy’s story encourages us all to pursue our passions fearlessly and embrace creativity without bounds.
Jules Haworth serves as dramaturg for Failure Project. Jules is a queer disabled dramaturg focused on nurturing emerging writers/artists while serving as Creative Engagement Associate at Soho Theatre where they co-run Writers’ Lab programme among other initiatives.
Joseph Barnes Phillips co-directs this project alongside his role as Co-artistic Director for HighRise Theatre & All Seeing Eye collaborating widely across various esteemed venues while passionately working within communities through drama-based empowerment initiatives.
Listings
Failure Project
Harrogate Studio Theatre
Oxford Street, Harrogate
HG1 1QF
Tuesday 13 May, 7:45pm
Tickets £14
Age 14+
Running time 75 minutes
Failure Project
Traverse Theatre
10 Cambridge St,
Edinburgh
EH1 2ED
Thursday 15 May, Friday 16 May, 8:00pm
Tickets: Full Price: £15, Concession: £12, Students & U30s: £10, Low Income Benefit Recipient: £5
Age 14+
Running time 75 minutes
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/failure-project-spring-25
Failure Project
Soho Theatre, London
21 Dean St, London W1D 3NE
Tuesday 17 May – Saturday 14 June, 6:45pm.
Tickets: £11-£20
Age 14+
Running time 75 minutes
https://sohotheatre.com/events/failure-project/
Failure Project
Norwich Theatre Stage Two
Chantry Rd, Norwich
Norfolk
NR2 1RL
Friday 20 June, 7:45pm
Tickets: £17.50
Age 14+
Running time 75 minutes
https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/failure-project/
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