1825. A young woman, newly liberated from the deep-rooted effects of an abusive childhood, arrives in London. She is full of hope and ready to embrace a fresh start. However, she soon finds herself as ‘the leading lady in drama she can’t comprehend.’ The gaslighting is subtle, the manipulation slick. Can Miss Havisham discern her fate? Or is she destined to relive the devastation of her trauma?
HAVISHAM
Written and Performed by Heather Alexander
Direction and Dramaturgy by Dominique Gerrard
If you knew my story, your heart would break too…
Havisham offers a fresh perspective of Charles Dickens’ greatest work of Gothic characterisation – Miss Havisham from Great Expectations. Miss Havisham is the embodiment of steady trauma and malignant rage. But how did she arrive at this place and what are the tragic secrets of her calamitous past…?
Heather Alexander is an award-winning actress, writer, and producer with a prodigious list of stage, television, and film credits. Recently she has been performing ROOM (an adaption of Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own) and Shirley Valentine to packed houses, and she is also the creative lead of Hastings Fringe Theatre Festival.
Emul8 Theatre Company challenges boundaries, seeking to engage the audience in a dialogue around themes of justice, female empowerment, and freedom of expression. They develop fresh ideas and perspectives, offering new writing around current issues, concerns and controversies. They also dramatise and adapt existing iconic texts, making them accessible and relevant to a contemporary audience. Emul8 seeks to interrogate prejudices and stereotypical representations through thought-provoking and innovative text and staging.
Praise for Heather Alexander’s Room.
‘An exquisite performance…as a condensation and enactment of Woolf’s seminal text, this can’t be improved.’
OUTSTANDING – FringeReview
‘Alexander, as Room’s writer, delivers a linguistic treat. The language is a joy to hear. As a performer, Alexander is a delight to watch. Her assured performance is pitch perfect, and her nuanced vocal delivery brings the rich language to life.’
★★★★★ Reviews Hub
‘Heather Alexander lit up the stage as she portrayed one of the most fearless female writers in history.’
★★★★ Broadway Baby
‘A beautiful portrayal by an accomplished actor at the top of her game.’
★★★★ British Theatre Guide
‘Heather Alexander has invented a new genre and format.’
CNS Theatre
NOTES:
- Havisham (run time 60 minutes) will be performing at:
- Brighton Fringe 2023, 11th-13th of May, at The Rotunda Theatre (Squeak).
- Hastings Fringe Festival 2023, 29th of July, at The Stables Theatre.
- Tickets: https://stablestheatre.co.uk/
- Press Contact: Heather Alexander : emul8theatre@gmail.com : 07970 820372
- Website: http://www.heatheralexandershows.co.uk/contact
- Instagram & Twitter: @HAlexTheatre
- Facebook: heather.alexander.1485