Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

BIRDS AND BEES Comes to the Stephen Joseph Theatre Next Month

Performances run 2 and 3 March.

BIRDS AND BEES Comes to the Stephen Joseph Theatre Next Month

A searing exploration into sex positivity, online safety and intersectionality comes to Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre next month.

Birds and Bees is an enthralling play by renowned writer Charlie Josephine (I, Joan; Shakespeare's Globe), which reached over 500 schools across the UK with online performances in 2020.

Uncovering the failings of the sex education system in schools, this dynamic and poignant production has been developed by Theatre Centre in collaboration with Sheffield Theatres.

One click and it's gone too far, far too fast. As explicit photos of the school's 'it' couple go viral, real-life consequences of online life start to spread - and so do everyone's opinions. Leilah can't help but feel her Instagram is more of a burden than 'living her best life'. Billy is queer and proud but feels unseen by the education system; they've had enough of feeling invisible. Aarron is still in the early stages of learning how to be a man online and it's starting to become toxic. And Maisy, well Maisy's not that into sex, thank you very much. Birds and Bees follows the narrative of four school peers as they recognise their differences and engage their own unique power and potential to spark change.

Celebrating 70 years of schools touring, Theatre Centre is a National Theatre Company that generates daring and reverent work to amplify the voices of young people. Acting as a connector and enabler for local communities, Theatre Centre fosters creativity and aims to incite positive change by commissioning trailblazing new writers and taking their enthralling new works into schools and theatres across the UK. Prioritising access, Theatre Centre works with young people in areas that are excluded and where there is little provision, eliminating economic barriers and uniting artists and young people across the arts.

Director Rob Watt says: "We are super excited to be working with Sheffield Theatres to make Birds and Bees; a show that has been created with young people across the UK. With a magical combination of Charlie Josephine's rhythmical words, a top-notch creative team and four awesome actors we are thrilled to share this stunning show with schools and theatres across the nation. The core of this show digs into how young people have complicated conversations. Conversations around gender, identity, sexuality, power and consent. It asks the question 'If we can learn to have complex conversations, then how would the world change for the better?'

This punchy production for young people combines fiery spoken word and an electric soundtrack."

Birds and Bees can be seen at the SJT at 7.30pm on Thursday 2 March and at 1.30pm and 7.30pm on Friday 3 March. Tickets, priced from £10, are available from the box office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com



New Vic Theatre and Circus Company Upswing Will Produce Annual Programme Of Work Fusing Co Photo
The New Vic and award-winning circus company Upswing will begin an annual programme of work fusing contemporary circus with theatre this year, as they develop their longstanding relationship aiming to push the boundaries of the combined artform.

THE POLAR BEAR (IS DEAD) Comes To Leeds Playhouse Photo
The result is The Polar Bear (is Dead), a playful exploration of loss and survival in our current precarious landscape, opening in the Bramall Rock Void studio space at Leeds Playhouse on 14-15 April. Ultimately full of hope, it includes a plant, a polar bear, the Spice Girls and a conversation with Natalie's mum about the end of the world.  

 Marchmont House Unveils 2023 Plans Photo
Coinciding with the launch of their new website, Marchmont House have unveiled the first events as part of their 2023 season.  The range of events on offer are designed to bring people together to celebrate creativity – this ethos lies at the very heart of all Marchmont’s endeavours, from its public events to its unique artist residencies and on-site studios.

Review: WISH YOU WERE DEAD (UK Tour), Theatre Royal Brighton Photo
Aptly kicking off its UK Tour in James’ hometown – and that of his protagonist detective Roy Grace – this stage adaptation by Shaun McKenna is capably performed and authentically menacing in its simplicity, but a problem with pacing prevents it from fulfilling its full potential.


More Hot Stories For You


THE NEW ELECTRIC BALLROOM Comes to The EverymanTHE NEW ELECTRIC BALLROOM Comes to The Everyman
March 21, 2023

Trapped in the memoires of their youthful nights at The New Electric Ballroom, sisters Breda and Clara reflect on lost love and what might have been. 

Aunty Donna Will Embark on UK Tour With 'The Magical Dead Cat Tour'Aunty Donna Will Embark on UK Tour With 'The Magical Dead Cat Tour'
March 21, 2023

Following their critically acclaimed Netflix series, Australia's favourite absurdist sketch group, Aunty Donna, are bringing their first live tour to the UK and Ireland. It's their first visit to perform on these shores in well over five years, and their first ever UK tour.  Their trip will see them visit Glasgow, Dublin, Bath, Birmingham, London and Manchester.

Photos: First Look at THEY DON'T PAY? WE WON'T PAY! at Mercury TheatrePhotos: First Look at THEY DON'T PAY? WE WON'T PAY! at Mercury Theatre
March 21, 2023

All new production photos have been released for Mercury Theatre's production of They Don't Pay? We Won't Pay! by Dario Fo and Franca Rame. Check out the photos here!

Tron Theatre Tron Theatre Welcomes Award Winning New Play Telling The Hidden Story Of Henrietta LacksTron Theatre Tron Theatre Welcomes Award Winning New Play Telling The Hidden Story Of Henrietta Lacks
March 21, 2023

Tron Theatre will welcome Family Tree by Mojisola Adebayo on its the world premiere tour. Directed by Matthew Xia, Artistic Director of Actors Touring Company, the play tells the extraordinary legacy of Henrietta Lacks, whose influence on modern-day medicine still reverberates today, yet her story has remained hidden until now.

Abel Selaocoe's Soundwalk for LEEDS 2023 opens next weekAbel Selaocoe's Soundwalk for LEEDS 2023 opens next week
March 21, 2023

As You Are, a soundwalk for Leeds written for Opera North by South African-born composer and cellist Abel Selaocoe will open on Thursday 30 March as part of LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture.