About

Bryony Kimmings: I'm A Phoenix, Bitch

In 2016, Bryony nearly drowned. Postnatal breakdowns, an imploding relationship and an extremely sick child left her sitting beneath the waves hoping she could slowly turn to shell.

Two years later and she is able to deal with life again, but wears the scars of that year like a dark and heavy cloak. Who do we become after trauma? How do we turn pain into power? How do we fly instead of drown?

Bryony Kimmings returns with her first solo show in nearly a decade. A mythical legend performed straight from a heart still pulsing with pain. Combining personal stories with epic film, soundscapes and ethereal music the artist creates a powerful, dark and joyful work about motherhood, heartbreak and finding inner strength.

We will need new myths to survive the end of existence as we know it. Tonight a new legend will be created; that of the invincible and fearless woman; a tale Bryony wishes she had known from birth.

★★★★★ The Guardian

“Bryony Kimmings’ deeply personal show is an exhilarating ride via pop video, horror movie, art installation and therapy session….a double inspiration and a testimony both to human resilience and the healing properties of art”

★★★★★ What's On Stage

★★★★ The Stage

★★★★ Time Out

Conceived, written and performed by Bryony Kimmings

Directed by Kirsty Housley and Bryony Kimmings

Produced by Philippa Barr

Creative team

Art Direction by David Curtis-Ring

Projection Design by Will Duke

Projection Design Associate, Hayley Egan

Composer, Tom Parkinson

Sound Design by Lewis Gibson

Lighting Design by Johanne Jensen

Dramaturgical Support from Nina Steiger

Creative Associate Michal Keyamo

Choreography by Sarah Blanc Makeup Design by Guy Common

Design Assistants: Katherine Millar, Alice Winzar, Abel Oberon and Ian Cy

Costume Assistant: Alan Meggs

Senior Producer Consultant: Judith Dimant

Production team

Production Manager: Helen Mugridge

Technical Stage Manager / Video and Sound Operator: Froud

Additional Video and Sound operation: Mike Bignell

Assistant Producer: Becky Plotnek

Additional Technical Support: Beth O’Leary

Lighting Operator: James Smellie

Lighting Programmer: Emma Henderson

Credits

Co-commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts and supported by Latitude Festival. In association with Avalon.

Financially supported by Arts Council England.

General Information

Access

If you have access requirements that you would like to discuss with us please contact the box office on 01273 678 822 or email boxoffice@attenboroughcentre.com. For more information abut accessibility at the venue see our Access page here.

Pay What You Decide

There is an allocation of Pay What You Decide (PWYD) tickets available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Come and see the show without paying anything in advance, and then pay what you think is appropriate at the end of the show. Maximum of four PWYD tickets per person. Please phone the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com for further information.

Concessions

The concession rate is available for students, University of Sussex staff, Over 60s, and people in receipt of JSA or DLA/PIP. Proof of eligibility may be required on the door or at the box office (if collecting). Personal assistance tickets are available for free for customers who would otherwise be unable to attend the venue. Please contact the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com for further information.

Box Office Opening Times

The box office (phone line and drop-in service) is open from 10am to 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. The box office is also open one hour before the advertised show start time.