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 great night out co-directed by Luke Skilbeck and Paul Smith. 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.
Hull Truck Theatre, Hull: 23-27 May
Northern Stage, Newcastle: 12-13 June
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich: 16-17 June
Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough: 19-21 June
Slung Low Warehouse, Holbeck, Leeds : 23 June
Kiln Theatre, London: 29 June – 15 July
