THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

JOE CARSTAIRS

PRESENTED BY STONECRABS THEATRE
WRITTEN BY FRANKO FIGUEIREDO & KRYSIA MANSFIELD
DIRECTED BY SELWIN HULME-TEAGUE & ROBYN LEXI
"It is the world that must change, not I."

In the midst of the roaring twenties, Joe Carstairs emerged as a rebellious force, defying societal expectations to become a war hero and the fastest boat-racer of her generation. But steering against the expectations of their class and culture came at a cost, with the tides of destiny propelling them in unexpected directions.

Cut to present day, when Hik, a tenacious young playwright from humble origins, grapples with their own defiant spirit. After meeting strong-willed Tee at a writing workshop, they are presented with the opportunity to craft a play about Carstairs, but find their own identity questioned when tradition collides with progress. It seems their societal norms are not all that different from their idol’s 100 years earlier.

StoneCrabs Theatre’s new drama Joe Carstairs unleashes a highly charged fusion of movement, words and music that brings one of the 20th century’s boldest queer figures into sharp relief. This unforgettable show will challenge conventions, spark inspiration, and leave you pondering the meaning of personal freedom in a world determined to conform.

11 JUN: Theatre Club (Post Show)

Use code TCOMNIBUS at checkout for £10 tickets for this performances!

Free to ticket holders. 

Please be aware that the show contains strong language, discussion and portrayal of transphobia and homophobia (including from maternal figures), drug and alcohol abuse, discussion of suicide and depiction of sexual assault. 

4-22 JUN
7:30 PM TUES–SAT
2:30 PM SAT MATINEE
£18 STANDARD
£16 CONCESSION
£10 PREVIEWS

JOE CARSTAIRS

PRESENTED BY STONECRABS THEATRE
WRITTEN BY FRANKO FIGUEIREDO & KRYSIA MANSFIELD
DIRECTED BY SELWIN HULME-TEAGUE & ROBYN LEXI
"It is the world that must change, not I."

In the midst of the roaring twenties, Joe Carstairs emerged as a rebellious force, defying societal expectations to become a war hero and the fastest boat-racer of her generation. But steering against the expectations of their class and culture came at a cost, with the tides of destiny propelling them in unexpected directions.

Cut to present day, when Hik, a tenacious young playwright from humble origins, grapples with their own defiant spirit. After meeting strong-willed Tee at a writing workshop, they are presented with the opportunity to craft a play about Carstairs, but find their own identity questioned when tradition collides with progress. It seems their societal norms are not all that different from their idol’s 100 years earlier.

StoneCrabs Theatre’s new drama Joe Carstairs unleashes a highly charged fusion of movement, words and music that brings one of the 20th century’s boldest queer figures into sharp relief. This unforgettable show will challenge conventions, spark inspiration, and leave you pondering the meaning of personal freedom in a world determined to conform.

11 JUN: Theatre Club (Post Show)

Use code TCOMNIBUS at checkout for £10 tickets for this performances!

Free to ticket holders. 

Please be aware that the show contains strong language, discussion and portrayal of transphobia and homophobia (including from maternal figures), drug and alcohol abuse, discussion of suicide and depiction of sexual assault. 

4-22 JUN
7:30 PM TUES–SAT
2:30 PM SAT MATINEE
£18 STANDARD
£16 CONCESSION
£10 PREVIEWS

Joe Carstairs | Production Gallery

Joe Carstairs Discussing Use of Pronouns

Since Joe is not around speak to their preferences, we decided to employ they/them, he/him, and she/her pronouns interchangeably, aiming to respect the multiplicity of their identity by using a blend of pronouns to encompass the breadth of their gender expression. It’s an acknowledgment of Joe in all their queerness and all of their inherent ambiguity and fluidity, as well as the impossibility of fully understanding Joe’s true gender identity without their testimony.

Joe Carstairs | Vox Pops

Joe Carstairs | Trailer

Cast

Rhiannon Bell (They/She)

Originally from Northern Ireland, Rhiannon trained at East 15 Acting School and their credits include: ‘Hope Street’ (BBC One NI), ‘MisSfits’ (Union Theatre), ‘PHASE’ (Heartsquid Films), ‘No Dogs’ (Volpix Productions) and ‘Ulster American’ (Tristan Bates Theatre)

Sarah Carvalho (They/Them)

Sarah is a London based actor and musician who has a passion for advocating for those who don’t feel seen. Their acting credits include: ‘Tempest’/’Constellations’ (Burnt Orange), ‘A Mirror’ (Trafalgar/Almeida Theatre)

Krysia Mansfield (She/They)

Krysia’s diverse career as a singer, actor, writer spans from Sydney, Australia to London and Europe. In the 1990’s they sprang into the Sydney fringe theatre scene with original songwriting duo Zen Babies, collaborated with Flipside Theatre, The Song Company, ABC Radio, Red Opal Dance Theatre, the Renaissance Players and Theatre 4A. Moving to London in 2003 she has worked as an actor and mezzo soprano with the Royal Opera, Longborough Festival Opera, Barefoot Opera, Grimeborn Festival – Arcola Theatre, Ad Parnassum, L’offerta Musicale di Venezia, Theatre Nomad, Actors East, BBC 1, ITV, Warner Bros, Universal Pictures and more.

Catherine Warnock (She/Her)

Catherine graduated from the BA Actor Musician course at Guildford School of Acting in 2022. Her performing credits include: Tilly T Pott/Norbert Norris in ‘The Museum Of Marvellous Things’ (UK Tour) and Puppeteer/Mad Scientist/Paranoid Tree/Assistant Musical Director in ‘Good Earth: An Environmentally Conscious Musical’ (Bike City Theatre Company). She was awarded the London Pub Theatre 2023 Standing Ovation Award for Best Supporting Actor for her role as Actor Musician/Composer in ‘The Black Cat’ (Kings Head Theatre). Catherine has also worked as an Assistant Musical Director for British Youth Music Theatre and Musical Director for BKD Performers.

Jazz Harbour (She/Her)

Jazz Harbour is an actor Muso graduate from Rose Bruford , specialising in banjo , melodion and guitar. Theatre credits include : Nora from ‘A Dolls house’ Maid Marion in ‘Robbin hood’ and Bird girl in ‘Seussical the musical’

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Concessions

Concessions apply to students, under-18s, over-60s and more. For more info on our concession policy click here→

Accessibility

All performance spaces and facilities are fully wheelchair-accessible. For more info please contact Box Office on 0207 498 4699.

Ticket Collection

We operate a paperless box office system. You will be emailed a receipt once you have booked in advance. There is no need to print this off, just state your name at the box office on arrival.

Café Bar

Serving a menu of hot drinks, craft beers, wine and seasonal cocktails before and after every show and a full home-made food menu including freshly baked pastries, delicious cakes and savoury light bites from Friday – Sunday.

Content Warnings
Age Recommendation

13+

Duration

120m plus interval

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