Bright Places at Arena Theatre

Touring the UK this autumn, Bright Places is a joyous and life-affirming show about coming to terms with being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Following a critically acclaimed run at Soho Theatre in 2024, this deeply honest autobiographical show tells the story of growing up in the shadow of a chronic illness. Inspired by writer Rae Mainwaring's own experience of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 23, the play draws on her real-life journey.

In response to the limited and often negative portrayals of people living with MS on stage and screen, Rae Mainwaring’s Bright Places offers an honest yet joyous and hopeful account of her own experience. Set to an electrifying early noughties pop soundtrack, the show subverts typical illness tropes and digs into the chaos of “a young life interrupted”. It explores the conflict between her desire to embrace life and the internalised ableism that shapes her deepest fears.

Presented by Carbon Theatre, Bright Places opens with three actors debating how best to tell the story, taking audiences on a darkly funny autobiographical story about growing up in the shadow of chronic illness. The cast features Lauren Foster (Rebel Music, Birmingham Rep; Noughts & Crosses, LIPA; Holby City, BBC) as Actor A, Aimee Berwick (My Name Is Leon, BBC Two; Chase Tales, Birmingham Rep; The Decision, Birmingham Opera Company) as Actor B, and Rebecca Holmes (Kill List, Ben Wheatley; Kissing Miss Nightingale’s Shadow, The Library Theatre).

Writer Rae Mainwaring comments, I found one of the most rewarding moments from our last tour, was meeting and hearing from our audiences. To learn that they felt seen or that it helped them find a language to discuss their illness with others, was so profound. As well as those without illness in their lives who still felt connected and entertained. It's such a joy to once again put those experiences on stage, in a playful and hopeful way. People with MS rarely see themselves represented in an authentic way. This play delves into the complicated, knotty often contradictory relationship with an illness that is always moving the goal posts.

This production is supported using public funding through Arts Council England.