Roots is extremely excited to announce its first production, the world premiere of Happy Meal by Tabby Lamb (They/she), directed by Jamie Fletcher (She/her) fresh from her acclaimed production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Leeds Playhouse/HOME) and co-produced with Theatre Royal Plymouth. It is performed by Sam Crerar (They/them) and Allie Daniel (She/her). This joyful queer rom-com is led by a trans creative team and is presented by the queer touring company Roots in five venues this autumn.
Join us for an online show IRL. Travel back to the quaint days of dial up and MSN, where you’ll follow two strangers on their journeys to become who they always were.
A funny, moving and nostalgic story of transition.
From teen to adult,
From MySpace to TikTok,
From cis to trans.
Following its premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Traverse Theatre (August 4-28), Happy Meal tours to York Theatre Royal (August 31-September 3), Theatre Royal Plymouth (September 7-10), Oxford Playhouse (September 13-17) and Belgrade Theatre Coventry (September 21-24).
Tabby Lamb (She/her), writer, said: “I started writing Happy Meal during lockdown, when trans people were more often than not isolating alone or in unsupportive environments. This is a play about trans people by trans people and for trans people – a celebration of everything that makes us powerful!”
Steven Atkinson (He/him), Producer for Roots, said: “As the Edinburgh Fringe and theatre is returning to live performance, we think it’s the perfect time to celebrate trans lives with Tabby’s hopeful new play about how the internet and the real world can be a joyful queer space that accepts the rights and freedoms for all people to be who they are. For Roots to be staging our first show in co-production with Theatre Royal Plymouth, in association with ETT and Oxford Playhouse, shows such positive action from leaders within the theatre industry to platform trans artists and promote inclusive queer stories. “
James Mackenzie-Blackman (He/him), Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Plymouth, said: “I’m delighted that Happy Meal will be made with TRP. We’re at an important moment of change. I’m committed to opening our programme to include more voices, more perspectives and more theatre that connects to more people in our city and region. Tabby is an extraordinary artist and we’re delighted to be producing her play with Roots in Edinburgh, on tour and here in Plymouth.”
Listings
HAPPY MEAL
By Tabby Lamb
Directed by Jamie Fletcher
A Roots and Theatre Royal Plymouth co-production
In association with ETT and Oxford Playhouse
Tour dates
4th – 28th August, Traverse 2, Edinburgh – https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/happy-meal
31st August – 3rd September, York Theatre Royal – https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/
7th – 10th September, The Drum, Theatre Royal, Plymouth – https://theatreroyal.com/
13th – 17th September, BT Studio, Oxford – https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/
21st – 24th September, Belgrade, Coventry – https://www.belgrade.co.uk/
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