In another year defined by uncertainty, we are deeply proud of the ways Clean Break has continued to innovate and grow with creativity, courage and care. With challenges faced on our doorsteps and across the globe, the community we have built together has never felt more vital.
We would like to start our 2025 reflections by paying tribute to an incredible community member who we tragically lost this year. Eddy Queens was a phenomenal actor, singer and artist. She was a founding member of Clean Break associate company Nubian CoheARTs, and a beloved Member of Clean Break who is deeply missed by us all.
We have achieved so much as a company this year - too much to fit into this round-up - but we have selected some highlights that we would like to share and reflect on as we wrap-up for the year.
In the first half of the year, we toured our production Scenes from Lost Mothers, written by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti. Based on the Lost Mothers research project by Professor Laura Abbott, the play was a call to action for those responsible for the care of pregnant women and new mothers in prison. Highlights of the tour include performing at the House of Commons and the British Library; selling out shows at the Embassy Theatre at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama; bringing an extract to a ‘No Births Behind Bars’ protest outside the Ministry of Justice; and the Lost Mothers Project winning Research Excellence Award at the Criminal Justice Alliance Awards.
This year 62 Members participated in our programme of theatre workshops and wrap-around support. Alongside the core programme, our long-standing partners The Place delivered dance and movement workshops, and new partners the Royal Literary Fund provided additional writing workshops for those looking to develop this skill further.
After a fruitful outreach and recruitment process over the summer, this October we welcomed our new Young Company. The programme has got off to a fantastic start, with weekly ‘grow n’ glow’ wellbeing workshops, theatre training from our wonderful drama school partners, and even an appearance in the press. We have loved getting to know our nine new Members and having young voices in the building. Bring on 2026!
Our work in prisons continued in 2025, with an ongoing partnership with Goldsmiths College’s Open Book initiative. We were lucky to work with a brilliant group of young women at HMP Downview, who developed a play titled Now Tell Me If I’m Guilty, raising awareness of the injustices of Joint Enterprise law. The play tells the story of the deep harm caused to young Black and Brown women who are disproportionately criminalised by association.
Clean Break is proud to be part of the Remand Collective, a group of criminal justice sector organisations and women with lived experience who are working to end the unjust use of remand for women. Alongside the work we did as a collective this year, a two-day retreat took place to onboard women with lived experience, where the group’s constitution was created. We look forward to expanding this important work next year.
Amongst lots of exciting creative projects, our Artistic Team have been busy preparing for our next main-stage production in 2026. We are grateful to be working with a group of uniquely talented playwrights on commission, including babirye bukilwa, Emma Dennis-Edwards, Yasmin Joseph, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, Somebody Jones and our seed commission writers Ro Florence and Shona Babayemi.
In autumn, our Development Team launched an exciting new initiative for supporters who want to get closer to our commissioning process. Clean Break’s Commissioning Circle invites individuals to donate a minimum of £1,000 per year to directly contribute to our new writing programme. We celebrated the new scheme with an event at the Marylebone Theatre, hosted by founding member Lucy Kirkwood. Thank you to everyone who attended, and to our first cohort of Commissioning Circle supporters.
In the summer, when the weather was much nicer, we invited Clean Break's supporters and funders to come and celebrate with us in our beautiful courtyard garden. It was wonderful to host and connect with the people who make our work possible, and we look forward to creating more moments to gather next year.
Our Trauma Informed Practice work expanded this year. Over the summer we launched an arts and culture sector-wide survey, gathering information on what trauma informed practice means within the sector, and how we can improve staff and audience care across the board. We heard from fifty organisations and shared some of our findings publicly. We are now using these insights to develop an exciting new offer for organisations who want to embed trauma-informed practice into their workplaces. Watch this space!
Two important films were released this year, both shining a light on experiences of women who are criminalised and directed by Daisy May Hudson. Lollipop is a feature film, starring several Clean Break Member artists, including Posy Sterling as lead. Posy delivers a phenomenal performance in the film, for which she won a British Independent Film Award. Holloway is a powerful documentary, focusing on courageous, raw and honest testimonies from women who served sentences at HMP Holloway. Clean Break hosted screenings and panel discussions of both these films; we are proud to be in community with such creative, bold and talented artists.
A book on Clean Break was published this year, part of the Cambridge University Press Element in Women Theatre Makers series. Academics Caoimhe McAvinchey, Sarah Bartley, Deborah Dean, and Anne-marie Greene have been researching Clean Break’s work and history for several years for the Arts and Humanities Research Council funded Women/Theatre/Justice project. We are thrilled that their findings are now published and accessible.
As an extension of our Women/Theatre/Justice research project, we delivered training using both Laura Dean’s artwork created during the research project and our short film Sweatbox, as stimulus for learning and reflection with criminal justice professionals around the country. Professor Caoimhe McAvinchey and Dr Deborah Dean undertook research questionnaires and interviews with participating staff including prison and probation officers, magistrates and judges, to understand the impact of the training on their practice. We will share the findings in 2026.
Our internal equity, inclusion and justice work continued this year, held by our anti-racism, trans inclusion, anti-ableism and climate justice working groups, alongside leadership. We have of course faced huge challenges and obstacles, with the rise of racism and the far-right, widespread anti-immigration protests and the Supreme Court Ruling which impacts the rights of trans and intersex people. We are incredibly proud of the work we continue to do despite these challenges, to foster a safe and supportive environment at Clean Break.
To finish off the year with a bang, this December we hosted our second Big Night Out fundraiser at The Other Palace theatre, hosted brilliantly by co-Chair of our Board, Josette Bushell-Mingo, with a glittering appearance from co-Chair Sarah Jane Dent. We had a fantastic evening of comedy, music and dance, raising money for our life-changing work. Thank you to all the performers who donated their time, and everyone who booked tickets.
All these achievements are made possible because of the hard work, creativity and generosity of our wonderful community; including Members, staff, Trustees, artists, volunteers, partner organisations, Patrons, funders and supporters.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Clean Break’s successes this year. We wish you a restful winter break and look forward to connecting in 2026.
Warm wishes,
Anna Herrmann, Natasha Bucknor and Jacqueline Stewart
Clean Break services will be closed over the festive period, from 4pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 until 10am on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
We know that this can be a challenging time of year, so we've made a list of helplines which will remain open.
NHS Direct 111 - Lines open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Confidential advice if you have a medical issue that is not life threatening or an immediate emergency.
Samaritans 116 123 - Lines open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you. They’re here to listen.
Talk to Frank 0300 123 6600 - Lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Honest, non-judgemental support and information about drug use.
Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 - Free advice and support for people struggling with alcoholism.
Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 - Lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Trained women helpline workers and volunteers will answer your call in confidence.
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 500 2222 - Lines are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Confidential support if you have survived any form of sexual violence, no matter how long ago.
Shelter Emergency Housing Helpline 0808 800 4444 - Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm, closed on weekends and bank holidays.
Housing experts will advise you if you are at risk of homelessness. If you are not in an emergency situation, but need housing advice, visit Shelter's website.
BEAT Eating Disorder Helpline 0808 801 0677 – Lines open from 3pm to 8pm - Monday to Friday.
Support and information about eating disorders no matter where you are in your journey.
Cruse Bereavement Support 0808 808 1677 – See their website for opening times.
A space to talk about your bereavement with trained helpline volunteers.
Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline
If you are in serious danger call 999
Click here for a longer list of support services.
We wish everyone a peaceful time over the next few weeks, and look forward to welcoming our Members back in January.
Our Big Give Christmas Challenge has ended, but you can still support Clean Break by donating here.
Our Big Give Christmas Challenge is back! We’re raising vital funds for Clean Break's Members Programme, a unique offering of theatre workshops and wellbeing support for women who have experienced the criminal justice system, or who are at risk of entering it.
This year, our campaign sheds light on the mental health crisis that women who are criminalised are facing; and the ways that Clean Break helps women heal, recover and move forward with their lives, away from the criminal justice system.
In the UK, women who experience mental ill health are more likely to go to prison. Around 70% of women in prison report mental ill health, compared with 20% of the general population.
Prison is no place for women experiencing mental distress. This is clear in the fact that last year alone, over 20,000 incidents of self-harm were recorded in women's prisons. This is all avoidable.
Clean Break’s Members Programme provides women with trauma-informed wellbeing services and creative opportunities - in the community. Through 1-to-1 practical and emotional support, therapy, and creative workshops, women’s mental health, confidence and sense of purpose is transformed.
Every day, we see women discover their full potential and thrive in ways they never thought were possible. Our Members gain new tools, skills, and a supportive community, enabling them to forge new pathways, away from the criminal justice system.
From 2 to 9 December 2025, our generous supporters have the opportunity to double the impact of their donations. With your support, Clean Break can continue to use the power of theatre to help women heal, and avoid being swept into the criminal justice system. Thank you!
Clean Break welcomes nine Members to its brand new Young Company – a training programme for young women and non-binary people aged 18 - 25 who have lived experiences of the criminal justice system or who may be at risk or on the fringes of it.
From October 2025 – July 2026, this new cohort of young Members will learn acting and theatre-making skills, receive personalised wraparound support and perform a newly commissioned play. The programme will be delivered by artists, facilitators and leading Drama Schools, including LAMDA, RADA, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Mountview and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama - plus support from industry partners Roundhouse and AKTA Photography.
Jacqueline Stewart, Clean Break’s Head of Participation and Deputy CEO: “I am thrilled to welcome our new Young Company and to hear their fresh, uncompromising voices resonate around Clean Break. This remarkable group brings boundless talent and creativity. It is a privilege to witness them emerge and disrupt the current landscape.”
Young Company Member: “Joining Clean Break’s first ever Young Company is such a meaningful step in developing my voice as an artist and storyteller. I’m at a point in my journey where I want to grow creatively and personally to build confidence, community and a sense of belonging in the theatre world. Clean Break offers a safe, supportive and inspiring space to discover who I am as a performer, and to create work that is honest, bold and full of heart.”
Terri Cash, Widening Participation and Access Manager, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama: “The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with Clean Break, a pioneering theatre company. Over the years, Central has welcomed and supported Clean Break alumni as they’ve developed into the theatre makers of tomorrow. Together, we’re now excited to champion the incredible talent of Clean Break’s Young Company — nurturing their creativity, amplifying their voices, and supporting their next steps towards a future in the performing arts.”
Laura Kwiatkowski, Access & Widening Participation Manager, LAMDA: “LAMDA are delighted to work with Clean Break’s Young Company. This programme has the needs and aspirations of its Members at the heart, and we are thrilled that LAMDA’s expert tutors can support the vital development of these young, underrepresented artists.”
Professor Orla O'Loughlin, Vice-Principal & Director of Drama, Guildhall School of Music & Drama: "I have long admired the life-changing work of Clean Break, and at Guildhall School we're delighted to join our fellow drama schools in supporting their new Young Company. We look forward to seeing the work that the cohort produces in 2026.”
Rio Hayles, Access and Participation Lead, RADA: “We are pleased to collaborate with the Clean Break Young Company, an organisation whose commitment to creativity, inclusion, and empowerment through the arts reflects a vital part of RADA's mission. This partnership provides a valuable opportunity to support emerging talent, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen pathways into professional training and the wider creative industry.”
Photo credit: Young Company Members pictured left to right: (back row first): Rebecca, Cheyanne, Ferah, Becki / (front row) K and Myles. Not pictured - Lu, Alisha and Young Company Member X.
For decades Clean Break has been influencing how arts and culture organisations handle challenging subject matter, and care for audiences and staff teams, from co-producing plays with theatres across the country, to our popular professional training workshops.
This summer, we launched the most comprehensive survey on trauma informed practice that has been undertaken by an arts organisation. The insights we gained from 50 organisations from across the country have enabled us to develop an exciting new programme of training, resources and support for companies whose goals relate to improving wellbeing practices and diversifying audiences and talent.
Culture with Kindness is a five-part offer combining staff training, digital resources, community learning, consultancy support, and public recognition. The programme is a unique opportunity to connect meaningfully with an organisation that has set the standard for trauma informed practice in arts and culture.
Participating organisations can book staff members and volunteers onto Clean Break’s regular professional training workshops on a rolling basis. This way, the risk of skills and knowledge being lost due to staff turnover is minimised, and trauma informed practice becomes embedded in company culture.
Maximising the return on staff training is a key priority for leadership teams. Participating organisations will have access to an ever-growing library of digital resources, through Clean Break’s online Knowledge Hub. Staff can top-up and refresh their learning any time, and helpful guides on best practice will be on-hand when needed.
Listening to and learning from our peers is a key part of building a trauma informed practice. This is why we will be offering moments to gather - online and in person - with a series of events, bringing participating organisations together with experts from across the sectors Clean Break is part of.
Participating organisations will have the opportunity to receive discounted, prioritised and bespoke support sessions from our team, for any aspect of your work that you think requires a trauma informed lens. For example, audience care, care in production, designing trauma informed spaces, and more.
Communicate your commitment to trauma informed practice with Culture with Kindness branded resources to display at your venue and online.
How to get involved:
If you are interested in becoming one of our Culture with Kindness pilot organisations or simply want to learn more about the programme and what it could do for your company, please get in touch – we would love to hear from you.
Image credit: Ellie Kurttz
We are delighted to announce the launch of Clean Break’s Commissioning Circle, an exclusive community of supporters who share our passion for discovering and nurturing the next generation of exceptional women playwrights.
Clean Break has been at the forefront of championing new writing by women since 1979; amplifying underrepresented voices and transforming stories into powerful theatre that sparks change.
Supporters who join our Commissioning Circle will directly invest in emerging writers and contribute to the creation of new plays that challenge, inspire, and make a real difference – while connecting with some of the UK’s most exciting playwrights and gaining behind-the-scenes access to the creative processes.
Clean Break's commissioning process is unique. Over a number of years, each writer is fully immersed in our work – connecting with our team, delivering workshops in our studios in Kentish Town, in prisons, and in the community - which in turn deepens their understanding of the experiences of women who are criminalised and unlocks the stories which form their commission.
Underpinned by outstanding dramaturgical support, many writers describe their Clean Break commission as a key formative experience. Clean Break Patron and Commissioning Circle founding member and Olivier Award winning playwright, Lucy Kirkwood, says of her commission: “It inspired and sustained me creatively in brilliant and unexpected ways… [I was] afforded rare and very special chances to push myself as a writer, in ways which aren’t possible elsewhere.”
The Commissioning Circle is the newest supporter's scheme from Clean Break which centres artistic work. It complements our long running ‘Take Your Seat’ scheme, which gives supporters the opportunity to fund theatre trips for Clean Break Members - helping to remove the barriers many women in our Membership face when accessing the arts.
On 22 October, we will be celebrating the launch of our new scheme with an exclusive event for Commissioning Circle members, and those who are interested in joining and want to learn more. The event will be co-hosted with Lucy Kirkwood, Artistic Director, Anna Herrmann will provide exclusive insights on our artistic process and pipeline of artists, and Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti will share insights from her personal experience as a writer currently on commission with Clean Break.
If you are interested in joining our Commissioning Circle, or contributing to Take Your Seat, please contact Hannah Jackson, Development Manager hannah.jackson@cleanbreak.org.uk to join or learn more.
Supporters are requested to contribute a minimum of £1,000 per year to join Clean Break’s Commissioning Circle.
Last year we hosted a fantastic evening, and we can’t wait to return to The Other Palace on Monday 8 December with a new line-up of entertainment for you.
We are very excited to announce that our performers so far are comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri (Taskmaster), Harriet Kemsley (Last One Laughing UK) and Celya AB (Live At The Apollo), who will be joined by singer Rachel Adedeji (X Factor UK). Watch this space for more announcements soon!
Our host and MC for the evening will be the brilliant Josette Bushelle-Mingo.
Expect hilarious women, festive hits, sing-along moments, and the fun, vibrant community energy that you'll only find at a Clean Break event.
Anyone who attended our Big Night Out last year will remember the raffle was a huge hit, so we’re bringing it back! You’ll have the chance to buy lots of tickets from our roaming sellers and win some incredible prizes! More to be revealed soon...
Clean Break’s Big Night Out will be a very unserious event, with serious impact.
Every ticket purchased will directly fund Clean Break’s work, transforming women’s lives through theatre workshops and holistic support.
Women come to Clean Break for a change, for community, to learn new skills and build confidence. Without the generosity of our supporters, none of this would be possible.
Your ticket will make a real difference in the lives of women who have experienced the criminal justice system or are at risk, and we thank you for your support.
Line-up is subject to change. Tickets are non-refundable.
Clean Break has just launched a new survey to find out what people working in the arts and culture sector think about trauma informed practice.
For many years, Clean Break has been a leader in brining trauma informed practices to theatres across the UK and internationally through our productions and training workshops. Now, we are reaching out across the wider arts and culture sector, to paint a bigger picture of what our attitudes to trauma informed practice are, what people are doing already, and where gaps exist.
The survey takes 10 minutes, and your answers will help us to develop Clean Break's trauma informed practice training offer, enabling us to reach more organisations in the UK and improve how our sector supports staff and audiences.
The deadline to complete is Monday 15 September. By completing the form and sharing your email, you will be added to a prize draw for the chance to win up to £500 worth of training for your organisation!
Clean Break’s Young Company is a new theatre training programme for young women and non-binary people who have lived experience of the criminal justice system or who may be at risk or on the fringes of it.
Our unique programme is for people:
The two-day-a-week programme will run from October 2025 to July 2026, and offers theatre skills training alongside personal development. The sessions will be delivered by Clean Break core staff, leading industry artists and a trauma-informed team who specialise in working with young women.
Alongside acting and theatre making training and personalised wrap-around support, the company will also perform in a brand-new commissioned play.
To find out more and apply, please download our Information Pack.
If you have any questions about the programme or about your eligibility, please get in contact with us by emailing yc@cleanbreak.org.uk
Bringing Nubian CoheARTS on board as Associate Company is part of Clean Break’s drive to support and platform women artists with lived experience of the criminal justice system or those on its periphery, at a time when they face ongoing barriers to entering the arts.
The relationship will include access to free rehearsal space, training, support from Clean Break’s artistic team, and opportunities to research and development work with audiences.
Nubian CoheARTS is a Black women-led theatre company formed by Clean Break Members Jennifer Joseph (Shakespeare Trilogy, Donmar Warehouse), Eddy Queens (Typical Girls, Sheffield Theatres) and Nicole Hall (More Than We Can Bear, Almeida). The company creates authentic work which instils hope for women who’ve had challenging life experiences, sending the message that you can always carry on.
Continuing to place Members at the heart of our programme, Clean Break also announces new seed commissions to two Member artists, Ro Florence and Shona Babayemi, who will be developing full length plays with support from the company. These writers join our existing writers on commission, including the brilliant babirye bukilwa, Emma Dennis-Edwards, Yasmin Joseph, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, and the newly joined Somebody Jones and Iman Qureshi.
Lakesha Arie-Angelo, Clean Break’s Associate Artistic Director: “The founders of Clean Break were artists, women, with entrepreneurial spirit and a hunger to have their stories heard. Bursting with this same passion as our founders, we are delighted to welcome Nubian CoheARTs as our first ever Associate Company. We look forward to working more closely together and seeing the possibilities that will flourish from this new relationship.
We are also thrilled to have offered seed commissions to two Clean Break Member artists, Ro Florence and Shona Babayemi. Both Ro and Shona have unique and vibrant voices, and will be working on new plays which platform narratives about women and non-binary people navigating oppressive systems.
Providing opportunities, tools and resources for success for artists such as Nubian CoheARTs, Ro and Shona highlights the next steps in Clean Break's journey: championing new talent and offering opportunities for women from our Membership who have gone on to become artists in their own right.”
Nubian CoheARTs: “All three members of Nubian CoheARTs have had a life changing experience with Clean Break. We’re twice the women we were before we came here, and we've never looked back. We started as Students, then ex-Students, before that title changed to 'Member'. Becoming Members gave us a real sense of responsibility and importance. It meant we would always have a reason to stay connected with Clean Break, whether that's coming back to perform, or getting involved in fundraising campaigns and festivals. Whatever we encounter in the world, we always have the security of Clean Break to come back to. So building on that relationship and becoming an Associate Company as Nubian CoheARTs was mind-blowing.
To become the first Associate Company attached to Clean Break has re-confirmed our importance to the company. It feels like all the learning and growing we did as students and Members was put in place for this moment. We're living proof that Clean Break changes lives, and will always be fierce ambassadors and contributors to the work.
Going forward, we're excited to discover the potential for this relationship, and the mutual benefits for both Nubian CoheARTs and Clean Break. At a time when funding for the arts is in crisis, having the backing of a company like Clean Break will be a great support to us in securing funding for our work."
Lucy Kirkwood, playwright (Clean Break commission it felt empty when the heart went at first…): "It's so wonderful to see Clean Break Members gaining in artistic confidence and ambition, not just taking opportunities but making them for themselves, and I'm so proud of the company for supporting them so enthusiastically. As a Clean Break writer myself, I know how much a commission from this company can inspire, support and challenge you, and I can't wait to see the work that comes out of this."
The Arts for Impact Challenge celebrates and supports the transformative work of arts and culture organisations. This March, we are delighted to be taking part and raising funds to support the delivery of the life changing theatre workshops we offer on our Members Programme.
From 18 to 25 March 2025, all donations to Clean Break will be doubled. That means twice the impact for women with experience of the criminal justice system, or who are at risk at criminalisation due to drug, alcohol or mental health needs.
To make this campaign happen, Big Give have partnered with New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture (NPAC).
NPAC is a network of arts supporters who are passionate about increasing philanthropic support of the arts and culture sector. Working with Big Give, NPAC has been helping to secure match funding and supporting arts organisations develop their campaigns.
Applying for the Arts for Impact Challenge was a competitive process, with 450 arts organisations applying and just 290 taking part. We are proud to have been selected for a match funding campaign which recognises the importance of arts organisations. Our application clearly demonstrated the meaningful change that our creative workshops deliver for women, and we are grateful to Big Give and NPAC for selecting Clean Break.
From all of us at Clean Break, thank you for supporting our campaign by donating or spreading.
We are thrilled to announce the cast and creative team for Clean Break’s upcoming touring production, Scenes from Lost Mothers, which will be presented at educational and professional settings in February and March 2025.
Clean Break and the University of Hertfordshire co-commissioned acclaimed playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti (Elephant, Birmingham Rep) to write the play, using Dr Laura Abbott’s research project Lost Mothers, as well as contributions from Birth Companions’ Lived Experience Team as inspiration. The play explores the multiple challenges faced by women who spend their pregnancy awaiting the possibility of separation, and those who are compulsorily separated from their babies.
Our three-strong cast are all participating in Clean Break’s Acting Traineeship programme. The cast includes Claire Bayley, who performed in scenes from Orlando at Clean Break’s 2024 Members Festival, for which she also on the role of Member Producer. Ro Florence is an actor who recently graduated from LAMDA, after taking part in the Young Artist Development Programme with Clean Break in 2019/20. Completing the cast is actor and performer Shabina Cannon, who featured in Clean Break’s 2024 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign film.
Alongside their acting skills, our cast members bring with them valuable insights and perspectives from their own lived experience of, or being at risk of, criminalisation. With rehearsals underway, we are excited to begin the tour and see where our Acting Traineeship leads these three talented performers.
Scenes from Lost Mothers is directed by Anna Herrmann, Clean Break’s Artistic Director (Catch, UK Tour) with Neetu Singh as Assistant Director (The Valley of Queens, Midlands Arts Centre). Set and costume design is by Jida Akil (Community, Birmingham Rep & Tour) with Holly Khan as Sound Designer and Composer (Dreaming and Drowning, Bush Theatre) and Corinne Meredith as Movement Director (Ballet Black, the Young Vic, DanceWest). Lisa Cochrane is Company Stage Manager (Songs of Nobodies, Ambassadors Theatre).
Performances of Scenes from Lost Mothers are available to book throughout February and March 2025, for professional and educational settings.
Alongside the tour, we have two additional dates available for members of the public to see the play. Book tickets here.
We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Clean Break this year, as a theatre company and a community, despite the continuously precarious landscape we exist in. The ongoing challenges faced locally and globally, makes the community we have built at Clean Break all the more important.
We started off the year with a new audio play, A Proposal for Resisting Darkness written by Yasmin Joseph in collaboration with HMP Downview Theatre Company. The play was the outcome of Clean Break’s participation in the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance Inspiring Futures research project. Originally performed inside the prison in 2022, A Proposal for Resisting Darkness was adapted into an audio drama, first broadcast on National Prison Radio and now available online.
In March, Lakesha Arie-Angelo joined Clean Break as our Associate Artistic Director, making an incredible addition to our team. As a writer, dramaturg and director, Lakesha is already enriching our artistic life and has brought new relationships with playwrights, venues and creatives, putting Clean Break in a strong position artistically for the coming years.
Also in March, Clean Break joined The National Women’s Justice Coalition (NWJC), an alliance of women’s organisations that share a mission to drive change for women and girls in contact with the criminal justice system and improve outcomes for them. It is a privilege to be part of this group, and to bring Clean Break's unique perspective to this collective voice.
Our anti-racism work remained a priority this year, and included a company-wide session in May, led by our Anti-Racism Working Group of Members, staff and Trustees. The session was an important moment to come together to continue to learn, build community and champion our anti-racism work, and included presentations, discussion, and in true Clean Break fashion, time to share a meal together.
In June we opened The Trials and Passions of Unfamous Women at Brixton House, a co-commission as part of London’s International Festival of Theatre (LIFT). We are incredibly proud of this production, which was a new approach for Clean Break. Member artists Athena Maria, Yvonne Wickham, Sarah-Jane Dent, Dominique Lavine Wood-Whyte and Kim Teresa (KT) Marsh devised the work led by Janaina Leite, Lara Duarte and Rachel Valentine Smith, and explored stories of women who have faced judgement across time.
Clean Break held its second ever Members Festival in July. Titled Beyond, the festival was co-created by our Festival Committee and showcased our Members’ personal creative projects. Over three days we saw short plays, participated in workshops and enjoyed a dance performance in association with The Place. It was a delight to host Clean Break’s founders at the festival, amongst many guests.
Over summer, our Capital Project works came to their apex with our Welcome Area and Green Room receiving a full makeover. Our Operations Team engaged in a trauma-informed design process, bringing in Members and staff to help inform the design. The result has been a much improved, open, welcoming and more accessible space.
After saying farewell to co-Chairs Alison Frater and Tanya Tracey, we welcomed Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE and Clean Break Member artist Sarah-Jane Dent as new co-Chairs of our Board of Trustees, as well as new Trustee Joni Emery. We are excited to enter a new year with such a broad range of passionate, experienced and skilled women governing our company.
This October we said goodbye to Erin Gavaghan, Clean Break’s Executive Director since 2018. Erin stepped down to move home to Canada and take up the position of Managing Director at Canadian College of Performing Arts. We are so grateful for Erin’s six years at Clean Break, during which time she has spearheaded significant work on company culture, wellbeing, governance and impact measurement. Natasha Bucknor MBE has joined us as Interim Executive Director, and is a brilliant addition to the team while we recruit for the permanent position.
Following the launch of our digital Knowledge Hub last year, this autumn we hosted our first online Film Festival on the platform. The festival showcased films which tell authentic stories of struggle, survival and healing from a range of unique perspectives, from a group of incredible filmmakers. We were glad to be able to include Wings in the festival, a very special short film written by the late Sonya Hale.
Towards the end of October, Radio 4 audiences across the country heard Clean Break’s charity appeal message, beautifully read by our Patron Harriet Walter DBE. Harriet shared some of Member artist Jennifer Joseph’s story, and encouraged listeners to donate to Clean Break, achieving over £10,000 in funds to support our life changing work.
This year marked 25 years in Clean Break’s Kentish Town building. We celebrated this milestone with an event, Women’s Spaces: Landmarks on the Journey, part of the Being Human festival of humanities. Hosted by academic Shona Minson, the event celebrated our work with an exhibition of Laura Dean’s art, a film screening, monologue performances from Clean Break’s canon and a panel discussion.
This November, we announced our new production, Scenes from Lost Mothers, written by acclaimed playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti. The play brings to life the findings of the Lost Mothers research project, and examines how decisions are made about separating imprisoned mothers from their babies and young children. Scenes from Lost Mothers is designed to be performed in educational and professional settings and will be touring in February and March 2024.
Earlier this month, we hosted our biggest fundraiser event yet, Clean Break’s Big Night Out, at The Other Palace. A line-up of talented comedians, singers and performers donated their skills and their time, and helped us put on a fabulously joyful and energetic show, hosted by our new co-Chair Josette Bushell-Mingo and Patron Zawe Ashton.
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2024 saw another successful year of Clean Break’s Members programme. This season, we had the addition of a series of comedy workshops from The Comedy School, and audiences were treated to a hilarious sharing of stand-up routines at the end of the course.
Clean Break’s training offer continued to grow, as we took our popular Leading with Kindness trauma informed training to arts organisations across the country, as well as to Scotland and Ireland.
Our work in prisons and women’s centres continued this year, and we are grateful to have been able to connect with and explore creativity with more participants. A highlight being a series of creative workshops with Young Adults in HMP/YOI Styal, delivered by Artistic Director Anna Herrmann and Associate Artistic Director Lakesha Arie-Angelo, in partnership with Gilly Sharpe at the University of Sheffield, as part of her research on how to improve safety in prison for young women.
Our most heartfelt thanks to all Clean Break Members, Member artists, staff, artists, volunteers, Trustees, Patrons, partners, funders and supporters for another wonderful year of collaboration, courage and change-making through theatre. We wish everyone a restful break and look forward to connecting again in the new year.
From 3 to 10 December, all donations to Clean Break will be doubled. That means twice the support for our Members Programme.
Women who have survived gender-based violence experience higher levels of criminalisation. So this year, we are using our Big Give campaign videos to platform our Members' stories, from surviving violence and abuse to finding their creative voices at Clean Break, and moving forward with their lives.
To protect our Members' anonymity, our Patron Lia Williams, staff member Shabina Cannon and Member artist Yvonne Wycombe have lent their voices to the campaign. Hear these three talented performers read our Members stories on their behalf, and support our campaign today so we can reach even more women.
Watch our campaign video:
We are excited to announce that Clean Break is taking part in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge!
We are grateful to be taking part in this brilliant fundraising campaign once again, and have ambitiously increased our target to £40,000!
The vital funds we will raise - thanks to our incredible supporters and match-funder will allow us to continue our life changing work with women who have experienced the criminal justice system, or are at risk.
This year, the Big Give Christmas Challenge coincides with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. Around 60% of women in the criminal justice system are survivors of violence or abuse. That’s why this year, we are using our Big Give campaign to bring attention to how violence impacts women who are criminalised, and how Clean Break can help.
Donating to our Big Give Christmas Challenge supports Clean Break’s groundbreaking Members programme. Our creative workshops help women to rebuild trust and confidence after experiences of violence or abuse, improving wellbeing and increasing aspirations. Our Members gain transferable skills which enable them to access employment, training and volunteering opportunities, allowing them to move on with their lives and reach their full potential.
Double your donation to Clean Break
We will be sharing our Big Give campaign video on Clean Break’s social media channels at the start of the campaign on Tuesday 3 December.
In the video, our Members have generously shared some of their experiences of gender-based violence, and how Clean Break’s offer of theatre workshops and holistic support helped them to heal and move towards more positive futures.
To protect these Members’ anonymity, permission was given for the stories to be read by others, on their behalf. Thank you to our Patron Lia Williams, staff member Shabina Cannon and Member artist Yvonne Wycombe for lending your voices to the campaign, and providing a safe way for our Members’ stories to be heard.
Make sure you follow Clean Break on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook, and keep your eyes peeled for our campaign video on Tuesday 3 December.
Take a look behind the scenes of our campaign video shoot:
Scenes from Lost Mothers is a new play from Clean Break and the University of Hertfordshire. The play brings to life the findings of the Lost Mothers project, research project led by Dr Laura Abbott, a midwife and Associate Professor in research at The University of Hertfordshire, in partnership with Birth Companions and their lived experience team.
The project examines how decisions are made about separating imprisoned mothers from their newborn babies. The project team have interviewed women in five prisons as well as prison officers, midwives, social workers, and health visitors. The team have also observed mother and baby decision making boards
With the voices of women with lived experience of prison at its heart, Scenes from Lost Mothers explores the multiple challenges faced by women who spend their pregnancy awaiting the possibility of separation, and those who are compulsorily separated from their babies.
Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, Playwright: "When speaking to mothers in prison, I came to realise that our broken system simply perpetuates another kind of brokenness.
I saw how becoming a mother could unlock fresh potential in women, but that sense of hope was too often crushed by the oppressive patterns and structures which are part of daily life in an institution.
It’s time for radical action and for the justice system to start viewing mothers and pregnant women as human beings instead of problems that cannot be solved."
The play has been designed specifically to be performed at conferences, seminars, training events or educational settings, presenting complex subject matter in a creative and accessible format.
Topics explored in the play include maternal separation, health care provision, access to mother and baby units, living conditions, increased risk of mental ill-health, and the consequences of decisions made by professionals run ragged by a system that’s falling apart.
Within the scenes, there is a celebration of the vital work of women’s organisations and campaigners. The show is a cry from the heart for change and compassion.
Scenes from Lost Mothers will be touring in February and March 2025, and is available to book with an accompanying reflective workshop, for professional and educational settings.
Find out more by downloading our information pack, and get in touch with Clean Break’s Producer to book a performance for your organisation or educational institution: dezh.zhelyazkova@cleanbreak.org.uk
Alongside the tour, we have two additional dates available for members of the public to see the play. Book tickets here.
Image: Ayesha Antoine in [BLANK] by Alice Birch at the Donmar Warehouse. Credit: Helen Maybanks
Hear Clean Break Patron Dame Harriet Walter deliver our appeal message on Radio 4 on Sunday 20 October and Thursday 24 October.
In the appeal, Harriet shares some of actor and Clean Break Member artist, Jennifer Joseph’s story. Jen has generously shared some of the challenges she faced both in and outside prison, and how Clean Break helped her to turn her life around.
In 2012, Harriet and Jen performed together in Julius Caesar at the Donmar Warehouse, part of the all-women Shakespeare trilogy directed by Phyllida Loyd, which makes this appeal message all the more special.
“This could not be a better place to put your charitable gifts. I’ve watched this work for 30 years, growing from an idea to a very professional theatre company, with outreach beyond most institutions.” - Dame Harriet Walter
We are very grateful to Harriet for delivering the message, which will be heard by listeners across the country. This appeal will introduce Clean Break to new audiences and raise much needed funds, which will enable us to continue our life changing work, reaching more women like Jen.
Hear the appeal at the following times on BBC Radio 4, or listen after the first broadcast on the BBC website.
Sunday 20 October – 7:54am
Sunday 20 October – 9:25pm
Thursday 24 October – 3:27pm
Please share our appeal with your networks, we would love our message and Jen’s inspiring story to reach as many ears as possible.
Thank you to BBC Radio 4 for broadcasting our appeal.
Join Clean Break and a line-up of acclaimed comedians, singers and performers for an ‘unruly variety show’!
Expect comedy sets from Desiree Burch, Sophie Duker and Laura Smyth, musical delights from West End stars Bronté Barbé, Sia Kiwa and Alice Ellen Wright, contemporary dance from Chrissy Brooke and R&B classics from Michelle Gayle.
Come along for your seasonal outing with friends and family, your work’s festive-do, or just a dose of comedy and entertainment for yourself!
Clean Break’s Big Night Out will be a very unserious event, with serious impact.
Every ticket purchased will directly fund Clean Break’s work, transforming women’s lives through theatre workshops and holistic support.
Women come to Clean Break for a change, for community, to learn new skills and build confidence. Without the generosity of our supporters, none of this would be possible.
Your ticket will make a real difference in the lives of women who have experienced the criminal justice system or are at risk, and we thank you for your support.
Image credit: Eloise Dorr
We are thrilled to announce the exciting line-up of films we will be presenting at our first online short film festival. Hosted on our Knowledge Hub, developed with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Programme, the festival will run from 23 September to 6 October.
We are proud to showcase a gripping range of films which navigate stories of:
Anna Herrmann, Artistic Director of Clean Break: “We chose these films believing that they offer an eclectic range of voices, perspectives and styles, wanting the experience to be broad and dynamic as a collection... I am so proud of this programme and all the terrific filmmakers we are championing. We trust that you will find something that moves you, challenges you and inspires you.”
Clean Break’s Film Festival 2024 is proud to present:
Adra Ni Y Môr (Our Home The Sea) - from filmmaker Mared Rees
After Time – from Kestrel Theatre Company, directed by Dorothy Allen Pickard
Buddleia: The Unchained Story – directed by Tracy Kiryango
Boiling Frogs (More Than One Story film series) - from Cardboard Citizens, directed by Chris Sonnex
Dues – from Synergy Theatre Company, directed by Esther Baker
Home – from filmmaker Nia Childs
Hope – from Clean Break, directed by Kirsty Housley
Smart Justice: animated video series – from American Civil Liberties Union and Neon Zoo
No Comprendo – from filmmaker Bukola Bakinson
Sandwiches: More Than One Story film series - from Cardboard Citizens, directed by Chris Sonnex
Snakes and Landlords: More Than One Story film series - from Cardboard Citizens, directed by Chris Sonnex
Sweatbox - from Clean Break, directed by Anna Herrmann
Violet Gave Willingly – from filmmaker Claire Sanford
Wings – directed by Billy Boyd Cape, written by Sonya Hale
Without Walls – from filmmaker Clare Richards
Booking for Clean Break's first online Film Festival is now open!
Unlock Clean Break's full programme of films by purchasing a Film Festival Pass.
We also have a range of films which are available to watch for free. Simply create a free Knowledge Hub account to start watching.
All films will be available to watch on our Knowledge Hub from 9am on 23 September until the end of 6 October 2024.
Trailer by Tea Films
Image: still from Home by Nia Childs
Get ready to explore Clean Break’s first online film festival, celebrating the intersection of film and theatre.
The festival will run from 23 September to 6 October, and will be hosted on our Knowledge Hub, which has been developed with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Programme.
Clean Break is excited to showcase short films which raise difficult questions, inspire debate, and help to effect profound and positive change in the lives of people who are criminalised, or who are at risk.
Discover a diverse and gripping programme, from a talented selection of filmmakers. We are proud to showcase authentic stories of struggle, survival and healing from a range of unique perspectives.
Watch short films that navigate stories of...
Moving image has always played a crucial part in Clean Break’s artistic practice. From Killers in 1984, to more recently Sweatbox and Hope, film compliments our on-stage work and allows us to share stories of women and the criminal justice system to audiences beyond the theatre walls.
Theatre and film have a rich shared history, having influenced each other since the birth of film in the late 19th century with the early silent films of the Lumière brothers.
In the 20th century, the rise of stage-to-screen adaptations influenced cinema’s three-act narrative structure and dramatic character arcs, as well as the stagecraft elements such as set design and lighting.
Today, we see cinema’s influence in theatre, with the use of digital projection and sound design being commonplace in on-stage productions.
We are excited to continue this legacy by putting film in the spotlight on Clean Break’s Knowledge Hub this autumn.
You will be able to unlock Clean Break's full programme of films by purchasing a Film Festival Pass.
We also have a range of films which are available to watch for free. Simply create a free Knowledge Hub account to start watching.
All films will be available to watch on our Knowledge Hub from 9am on 23 September until the end of 6 October 2024.
Keep your eyes peeled for our programme announcement!
Image credit: Eloise Dorr
Erin joined Clean Break in 2018 as Executive Director alongside Artistic Directors Anna Herrmann and Róisín McBrinn, as part of a new leadership structure and subsequently became Joint CEO with Anna after Róisín’s departure in 2022. As part of the leadership team, Erin’s huge impact has included steering major capital works to improve sustainability and accessibility; championing the company’s industry-renowned well-being and mental health commitments; supporting the development and embedding of our anti-racism practice; and achieving a Silver Award for Clean Break’s trauma-informed practice.
Natasha Bucknor MBE will take up the role of Interim Executive Director and Joint CEO for Clean Break this Autumn. Natasha brings a wealth of leadership experience having worked as an Executive Director and Senior Manager across the cultural sector, most recently as Head of Operations at English PEN and as Interim CEO at VocalEyes. Natasha is also a freelance consultant and an Associate at Counterculture. She is a Trustee at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres, and in 2019, received an MBE for services to theatre.
Erin Gavaghan, Executive Director and Joint CEO: “Working with the women at Clean Break has been such a rewarding experience, one that has generously offered me the opportunity to learn and grow into the leader I want to be. Clean Break is an extraordinary company which consistently punches above its weight, producing excellent theatre that truly changes hearts and minds and through this, changes society for the better. I will miss the dedicated and passionate team and trustees who have inspired and supported me through the past six years, especially my joint CEO Anna Herrmann whose vision and artistic leadership shines so brightly.”
Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE and Sarah-Jane Dent, Clean Break Co-Chairs: “As incoming Co-Chairs, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Erin for her great work leading Clean Break. Her unique strength, skills and dedication are present in everything she does and leave a lasting impact on the company, its team, Members and everyone it with whom it engages. We wish Erin joy for the next step in her journey."
Anna Herrmann, Artistic Director and Joint CEO: “Erin has brought her passion for theatre and her values of equity and inclusion along with her rigour with finance and operations, her love of all things data and her expertise in people management. Amongst other achievements, she has spearheaded brilliant work on company culture, wellbeing, governance and impact measurement. She leaves the company in a strong, healthy position, and with an abundance of love and respect for her across the staff team, trustees and Membership. I will miss her and wish her incredible success in her move to Canada and her new position.
I am also thrilled to have Natasha join us in this interim period – bringing such a wealth of expertise from her various roles in the sector, and invaluable experience as an interim. We are very lucky that she could support us in this moment.”
Natasha Bucknor MBE, Interim Executive Director and Joint CEO: “Clean Break is a company that I’ve admired for a very long time. I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with Anna and the team over the next few months, whilst they recruit for the permanent role.”
Clean Break’s recruitment for a permanent Executive Director and Joint CEO will begin in September.
Photography: Tracey Anderson
This year Clean Break is celebrating 25 years in our Kentish Town studios with an event, Women’s Spaces: Landmarks on the Journey, part of this year's Being Human Festival. The event will take place on 7 November 2024. There are two time slots to chose from, from 2pm - 4pm or from 4:30pm - 6:30pm, both at Clean Break's building.
This event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 7 – 16 November 2024. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, with generous support from Research England, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please visit the Being Human website.
The theme of this year's festival is Landmarks, to celebrate the landmark 10 year anniversary of the festival. We couldn't think of a better theme to acknowledge the anniversary of Clean Break's building, which has been a landmark of community, healing and creative discovery for hundreds of women over the past quarter-of-a-century.
At Women’s Spaces: Landmarks on the Journey, join Clean Break Members, Artistic Director Anna Herrmann and Dr Shona Minson from University of Oxford's Centre for Criminology, for an exciting day of creative engagement. Expect a screening of our film Sweatbox, an exhibition of Clean Break-inspired artworks by Laura Dean, insightful discussions and more.
Together, we will be exploring the importance women-only spaces hold for those with experience of the criminal justice system, and asking how a physical space can become a site of healing and liberation.
Come and celebrate this landmark anniversary with us, and explore what else Being Human Festival has to offer.
Award-winning actor and director Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE and writer, actor, and Clean Break Member artist Sarah-Jane Dent have been appointed co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees for Clean Break. Josette and Sarah-Jane take up the position from 24 July, succeeding Alison Frater and Alex Rowse, who step down from their roles as co-Chair and interim co-Chair respectively, with Alex remaining a Trustee. The company also welcomes new Trustee Joni Emery.
Josette Bushell-Mingo is Principal of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (CSSD). Her career has included performances with the RSC, National Theatre, and Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester and she was nominated for an Olivier Award for her role as Rafiki in the West End production of The Lion King. As a director, she was Founder and Artistic Director of PUSH, a Black-led theatre festival with the Young Vic Theatre and through this work she was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the arts. She is an active spokesperson for inclusive arts and politics and has served on the board of Swedish Film Institute, as Chair for CinemAfrica, and as Patron of the Unity Theatre, Liverpool.
Sarah-Jane Dent has been in several Clean Break productions including devising and performing in The Trials and Passions of Unfamous Women (Clean Break’s co-production with LIFT at Brixton House), Hours Til Midnight by the late Sonya Hale, Hear by Deborah Bruce, and collaborating with Chloë Moss on Through This Mist. Further stage credits include Donmar Warehouse’s all-female Shakespeare Trilogy directed by Phyllida Lloyd, and Zina, a one-woman show by Naomi Westerman at Vaults Festival.
Joni Emery enjoyed a 14-year legal career and has worked in the criminal justice voluntary sector with the charity User Voice and infrastructure organisation CLINKS. She leads on four main areas in her work including finance, income generation, HR, and governance. Her passion for supporting women in difficult and challenging circumstances stems from her own lived expertise and enables her to bring an authentic outlook.
Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE: “To say that this is a total honour would be too short a response. Clean Break's work to serve, to champion, and to understand chimes with my belief that the arts are fundamental to a person's life and wellbeing and help to create meaningful societal change within our communities. This is a shared Chairwomanship, and I am delighted to work alongside the talented Sarah-Jane Dent and to welcome new Trustee Joni Emery. Clean Break is an iconic organisation using theatre to transform women's lives in prisons, on stages, and within communities. Anti-racism, care, equity, and justice are central to everything they do - and they prove that whatever our herstories, they are never a barrier to greatness. I look forward to this journey."
Sarah-Jane Dent: “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on the role of the co-Chair at Clean Break, alongside the brilliant Josette Bushell-Mingo and a board of such skilled and diverse women. To be part of the incredible work the women of this company do in helping to empower other women is phenomenal. It is an organisation incredibly close to my heart and I cannot wait to contribute and help to shape its future, putting our Members at the forefront of its work. I look forward to continuing the great work of the previous co-Chairs and am thankful for all their work and commitment to the company.”
Joni Emery: “I am honoured to be joining the board of such a valuable and impactful organisation. Clean Break is truly inspiring to women within the justice system and I am proud to step into the role of Trustee and add my support to the work in whatever way I can. I know first-hand their work as an authentic audience member, through working relationships, and now to be directly involved on a personal basis is wonderful.”
Erin Gavaghan, Anna Herrmann - Clean Break’s leadership team: “We are thrilled to welcome Josette and Sarah-Jane as co-Chairs, and Joni as a Trustee to the Board of Clean Break at this pivotal moment where we deepen our resolve to achieve greater equity, diversity, and lived experience representation at every level of the organisation. Josette is such a powerhouse who speaks passionately about the transformative role of the arts, and her energy and commitment to theatre and inclusion is infectious and energising. Sarah-Jane has been connected to Clean Break since 2010 and throughout that time her passion for women, for justice, and for theatre has shone through. She shows great compassion, care, and understanding for others, and we cannot wait to get started with them both, alongside Joni and our existing trustees, on leading Clean Break into the future.”
Clean Break thanks outgoing co-Chairs Alison Frater and Alex Rowse (who remains a Trustee) for their invaluable contribution to the company in the role of co-Chairs:
Erin Gavaghan, Anna Herrmann: “We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Alison and Alex for their support as we transition leadership of the Board. Alison in particular, came into post as Chair in July 2020 and supported the charity through the pandemic, then with her wisdom and insight nudged us towards a co-Chair model, bringing lived experience and diversity into the heart of decision making. Alex, who stepped into the Interim co-Chair position, following Tanya Tracey’s end of term in July 2023, has offered her counsel and her expertise, and together they have held our values close to their hearts. We thank them for their kindness, gentle challenge, support, and unswerving belief.”
Image credits
Josette: Cam Harle Photography
Sarah-Jane: AKTA Photography
Clean Break’s biennial Members Festival is back this summer with an exciting line-up of original stories, performances and workshops by Clean Break Members. Beyond is a celebratory event led and delivered by our Members*, dedicated to showcasing the creative talents and personal projects of the women at the heart of Clean Break.
Connection, discovery and healing are the central themes of this year’s festival. Audiences are invited to connect with Clean Break’s creative community, at an event which will inspire and nourish.
The festival is proud to be a participatory and community-focused event organised by our Members Festival Committee.
Taking place from Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 July, the first day of the festival is for the Clean Break community, including Members, staff, volunteers and supporters. On the Friday and Saturday, members of the public are invited to join the performances and activities.
Tickets are free, with the option to donate to Clean Break. All donations are gratefully received, and help us continue our transformational work.
Clean Break community only
Sliding Doors – an audio drama by Sue Sandeman
Health and Wellbeing Sharing – from Clean Break’s Members programme
Creative Space Sharing – from Clean Break’s Members programme
Down at the Sycamore Tree – by Inka J Lorde
Writers Circle Sharing - from Clean Break’s Members programme
Women only
Sliding Doors – an audio drama by Sue Sandeman
Movement Workshop – by Michelle Hamilton
Open Mic Event
Open to all
The Self-Love Sessions – by Denero Richards
Le Starlet – by Natasha Sparkes
Soul Sisters – by Sharon Leigh
Rebirth – by Susannah Gale
Nether Regions – Nubian Co-heARTs
Dance Project – in collaboration with The Place
Artist in Residence, Christina Shultz - Walls of Breath: from inside out
Open to all
Sliding Doors – an audio drama by Sue Sandeman
Nether Regions – Nubian Co-heARTs
Rebirth – by Susannah Gale
Dance Project – in collaboration with The Place
Le Starlet – by Natasha Sparkes
Theatre Makers – from Clean Break’s Members programme
Artist in Residence, Christina Shultz - Walls of Breath: from inside out
*women with experience of the criminal justice system or at risk of entering it.
