The internationally acclaimed film director returns to the stage with this musical recount exploring the trauma, struggles and joys of her personal and professional life. Putting her documentary expertise into the narrative, the montage will include a diverse repertoire ranging from music theatre classics to pop and rock icons.
Leave all your troubles outside! And come to meet a new one onstage… Because this lady is nothing but absolute thunder! Following a successful original run at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, renowned film director Sarah McGuinness leaves the camera for the spotlight through this intimate cabaret show, exploring the shines and shades of both her personal and professional path. Subtitled GRIT, GLITTER & GOBSHITES!, the piece will take audiences through a musical journey of bliss and sorrow, featuring an ecclectic repertoire ranging from musical theatre classics like Kander & Ebb and Sondheim, to pop culture icons including David Bowie or Kate Bush.
“This is my own life story which only made sense after my mother’s death”, said McGuinness, “when a close relative unlocked buried memories which completely changed my understanding of my early life and the negative self image it forced on me, while making me uniquely able to unlock the talents of others. It is a collection of stories and songs, well known and original, through which for the first time I am telling the truth about my life that I have been asked to reveal so often before.”
Developed in tandem with Luisa Omielan, Angela Vargos and Jessica Willcocks Skeggs, the show will dive into several key themes in McGuinness’s life, balancing the trauma of her clashing Irish roots and dysfunctional family with comedy excerpts, as well as the allure of her international success in the film industry. Breaking away from the wounds of her past and pouring all of her artistic force into her rendition, the montage has also been crafted through the lens of her directional background, previously seen in her critically acclaimed documentaries Believe: The Eddie Izzard Story and Noma: the story of Noma Dumezweni.
The Sarah McGuiness Story will play at London’s Etcetera Theatre from 15 September to 4 October. Tickets are available on the following link.