Dame Nature: The Magnificent Bearded Lady Comes to Wilton's Music Hall

Moisturise. Oil. Comb. Repeat.

Dame Nature is a performing bearded lady. With her husband, she's been touring the highways and byways of Britain for 23 years. Their show was once the 8th Wonder of East Anglia but in 2016 tastes have changed and now bookings are thin on the ground. The highlight of their season is the second largest pub function room in the South East. Her husband won't let her out, no one gets to see the show for free. So she spends her time alone practising new material, re-reading her collection of women's mags and considering the merits of Phil Collins' solo work.

But tonight, everything will change. Her husband is ill and for the very first time she must do the show alone. Join her on a journey of self-discovery, as she realises the disturbing truth behind her marriage and uncovers the exploitation that has trapped her for decades. Behind this bearded lady there's a bearded lady.

A dark and off-kilter piece of theatre, creator Tim Bell was inspired by the extraordinary tale of Victorian bearded ladies, who led sheltered and isolated lives, often married to the circus owner and forbidden from socializing with the audience and other performers.

Fresh from a hit run at Edinburgh festival and produced by Bristol Old Vic Ferment, this is a hilarious yet heartfelt play for bearded and non-bearded audiences alike. Directed by Laurence Cook and created and starring Tim Bell, the great-grandson of a music hall performer, this production is a darkly comic look at gender, coercive relationships performed by a man in a dress.

Tim Bell is, until now, best known for his work with Shanty Theatre Company. He recently founded Havoc, a network of artists that creates, promotes and celebrates innovative, surprising and entertaining theatre that is made to be accessible for all.

WILTON'S MUSIC HALL

Wilton's Music Hall is a gem in the heart of London and the oldest grand music hall in the world. It presents a year round programme of exceptional live music and world-class productions alongside learning and participation work that engages the local community and schools. The Grade 2 Star listed building recently completed a 4 year capital project with support from Heritage Lottery Fund and numerous trusts and individuals. This project, designed by Tim Ronalds Architects recently won the RIBA London Award 2016, RIBA London Conservation Award 2016 and RIBA London Building Of The Year 2016.

Wilton's is not open on Bank Holidays.

https://www.wiltons.org.uk/