Second Hand Problems
Six women, three stories, one limbo. Will they ever find their way out?
1985 - Mel is looking to escape the commotion of her mother's wake, and in the basement, she finds a weird tape revealing a secret queer past. Will she find the courage to break the cycle of shame her family is stuck in?
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2005 - Cat is trying to fill in a form at an abortion clinic and make the hardest decision of her life when her dead mother appears to stir things up. Is she going crazy, or do they have unfinished business?
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2022 - Alice is getting married today. Carol had four husbands, but it didn't end well with the last one…. Meeting over a bargain box in a charity shop, they soon discover the horrific truth about their existence and hang on to their only hope of retribution.
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Second Hand Problems is a wacky, honest and moving tragi-comedy about the shared griefs and joys of being a woman, our secret limbos, and the importance of inter-generational sisterhood. These stories highlight how women can help each other through life's darkest moments.
Presented at:
Theatro Technis, Camden Fringe Festival (2024)
The Cockpit (2024) *R&D
The Pleasance Theatre (2023, 2022) *short play
​"Conveys a powerful message and evokes strong emotions"
- A Young(ish) Perspective
"The artistic choices, both conceptual and physical, effectively underscore the theme of “second hand” issues... making good use of a fairly reduced amount of elements"
- A Young(ish) Perspective
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“Molly O’Donnell as Alice is brilliant - she never lets the comedically chaotic energy wane... Shona Graham brings a fresh and brave vulnerability as Cat"
- Always Time for Theatre
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"Adding intrigue and a sense of displacement is the set and the score, courtesy of designer Ola Klos and composer Arielle Zilkha"
- Always Time for Theatre
Audience Reactions
"Absorbing, twisty and powerful"
"The acting was phenomenal and a great concept for with physical theatrical
elements."
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"It's really nice to see an all-female production!"
"Really fun and written really well."
"Strong and intriguing. A clever piece of writing and unexpected turning points!"
Production photos by Tomas Oliveira
Behind the production is an incredible female & migrant led team!
CAST
Alice / Nurse
Molly Cass O'Donnell
Mel / Cat
Shona Graham
Fiona / Carol
Carol Walton
Donna
Noelle Adames
The role of Carol was previously performed by Marcia Tucker
CREATIVES
Writer:
Emma Kelly
Original Music:
Arielle Zilkha
Dramaturg:
Diana Miranda
Lighting Design:
Yi-Hsien (Memory)
Stage Manager:
Emilija (Mema) Varnaite
Director:
Neta Gracewell
Set & Costume Design:
Ola Klos
Movement Director:
Tamara Hayes Elliott
Graphic Design:
Shachar Tzin
Production Assistant:
Adi Gordon
Technical Operator:
Oisin Chen
We'd like to thank Slackline Productions for facilitating Slackline Sleepover, where the journey of this play originated, and for all the support in following R&Ds. Thank you to Brighton Dome Anita's Room for enabling further R&Ds of the play.
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A special thank you to Molly O'Donell, Marica Tucker, Aurea Williamson and Chloe Orrock- all brilliant actors who generously supported the development of the script.