The Painkiller Podcast

#33 The Barrel of Laughs by Charles Macpherson

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

An anxious patient consults with a therapist about a problem that threatens to destroy him. But, as the session progresses, the patient starts to wonder whether the therapist might be part of the problem.

The Barrell of Laughs was written by Charles Macpherson and performed by David Verrey and Sam Thorpe Spinks.

It was directed by Max Elton with sound design by Piers Sherwood Roberts.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020.

This is our last episode of the podcast and we want to thank everyone who has listened over the last couple of years – it has been a special experience.

#32 Slippy Maggie by Miranda Langley

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 03:00:00 +0000

You have been listening to Slippy Maggie, written by Miranda Langley, and starring Lesley Sharp as Jeanette.

Slippy Maggie was directed by Alice Fitzgerald with sound design by Nicola T Chang.

It was produced by Hew Rous-Eyre.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter for updates of upcoming submission windows.

If you would like to support the work we do, please consider pledging to our Patreon to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new play is released. Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.

Any donation made would mean the world to us.

For more information, follow the links in the description.

You can also support the project by sharing it with your friends and giving us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for listening.

#31 Serve, Fault, Ace by Lucy Curtis

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0100

The problem with theory is that once you’ve started, you can’t stop.”

A student sits down to begin work on her dissertation. She has things to say but she’s finding it difficult to say them, and before long she begins to spiral.

You have been listening to Serve, Fault, Ace by Lucy Curtis, starring Rebekah Murrell.

Serve, Fault, Ace was directed by Goerge Nichols with sound design by Alice Boyd.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter for updates of upcoming submission windows.

If you would like to support the work we do, please consider pledging to our Patreon to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new play is released. Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.

Any donation made would mean the world to us.

For more information, follow the links in the description.

You can also support the project by sharing it with your friends and giving us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for listening.

#30 God of Circles by Billy Brooks

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 02:00:00 +0100

Foreseeing an endless succession of disasters and tragedies awaiting them beneath the streets of London, Charlotte and Samuel will do anything it takes in order to stay out of harm’s way.

You have been listening to God of Circles by Billy Brooks, starring Amelia Bullmore and Tom Rosenthal.

God of Circles was directed by Max Elton with sound design by Marcus Rice.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter for updates of upcoming submission windows.

If you would like to support the work we do, please consider pledging to our Patreon to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new play is released. Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.

Any donation made would mean the world to us.

For more information, follow the links in the description.

You can also support the project by sharing it with your friends and giving us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for listening.

#29 Deja Vu by Sarah Baylis

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0100

Passing a restaurant window, a woman feels a powerful sense of connection to a man sitting inside, and is compelled to enter...

Deja Vu was written by Sarah Baylis. It was performed by Amy Loughton, directed by Nicky Allpress, with sound design by Joseff Harris.

It was produced by Max Elton.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter for updates of upcoming submission windows.

If you would like to support the work we do, please consider pledging to our Patreon to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new play is released. Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.

Any donation made would mean the world to us.

For more information, follow the links in the description.

You can also support the project by sharing it with your friends and giving us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for listening.

#28 I Love Television by Matthew Stephen Smith

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Kyla and Dario are here to execute a job. Kyla has a knife. Dario has a secret.

I Love Television was written by Matthew Stephen Smith and performed by Tamara Lawrance as Kyla and Philip Arditti as Dario.

It was directed by Oscar Toeman with sound design and composition by Jack Baxter.

It was produced by Max Elton.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter for updates of upcoming submission windows.

If you would like to support the work we do, please consider pledging to our Patreon to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new play is released. Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.

Any donation made would mean the world to us.

For more information, follow the links in the description.

You can also support the project by sharing it with your friends and giving us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for listening.

#27 Two Fingers by Rosaleen Cox

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Ann works at Poundland. It isn’t the most exciting job, but when the gorgeous Larry Simmons walks in, that quickly starts to change.

Two Fingers was written and performed by Rosaleen Cox, with Declan Rodgers as Larry.

It was directed by Hannah Hauer-King with sound design by Piers Sherwood Roberts.

It was produced by Hew Rous-Eyre.

CONTENT WARNING: Towards the end of this episode there are graphic descriptions of an eating disorder which some listeners may find upsetting.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter for updates of upcoming submission windows.

If you would like to support the work we do, please consider pledging to our Patreon to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new play is released. Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.

Any donation made would mean the world to us.

For more information, follow the links in the description.

You can also support the project by sharing it with your friends and giving us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for listening.

#26 The Dig by Stephen Condor - performed by Hannah Stokley

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Cathy is gardening. Or at least, she’s pretending to. The truth is she’s looking for something. Something she doesn’t necessarily want to find.

The Dig was written by Stephen Condor. It was performed by Hannah Stokley and directed by Evangeline Cullingworth with sound design by Marcus Rice.

It was produced by Hew Rous-Eyre.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter for updates of upcoming submission windows.

If you would like to support the work we do, please consider pledging to our Patreon to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new play is released. Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.

Any donation made would mean the world to us.

For more information, follow the links in the description.

You can also support the project by sharing it with your friends and giving us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for listening.

#25 Fracture Mechanics by Hester Styles-Vickery - performed by Kate O'Flynn

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Fracture Mechanics was written by Hester Styles-Vickery. It was performed by Kate O’Flynn. Fracture Mechanics was directed by Georgie Staight with sound design by Nicola T Chang.

It was produced by Hew Rous-Eyre.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter for updates of upcoming submission windows.

If you would like to support the work we do, please consider pledging to our Patreon to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new play is released. Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.

Any donation made would mean the world to us.

For more information, follow the links in the description.

You can also support the project by sharing it with your friends and giving us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for listening.

#24 Tree Rings by Mandy Wheeler - performed by Sarah Woodward and Breffni Holahan

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 03:00:00 +0100

"A young woman has a question to ask. It’s a big question, it could change everything.
She needs to be prepared."

Tree Rings was written by Mandy Wheeler. It was performed by Breffni Holahan as Amy and Sarah Woodward as the Director. Tree Rings was directed and produced by Max Elton with sound design by Marcus Rice.

Through The Painkiller Project, Bitter Pill has been collaborating with emerging playwrights since April 2020. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter for updates of upcoming submission windows.

If you would like to support the work we do, please consider pledging to our Patreon to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new play is released. Alternatively, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.

Any donation made would mean the world to us.

For more information, follow the links in the description.

You can also support the project by sharing it with your friends and giving us a five star rating on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for listening.

#23 Clear-Up by Charlotte Cromie - performed by Daniel Ings

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 02:00:00 +0100

Ethan’s a different person when he’s drunk. And one morning, clearing up after the night before turns out to be a bigger job than he’d expected.

Clear-Up was written by Charlotte Cromie and performed by Daniel Ings. It was directed by Dom Riley with sound design by Piers Sherwood Roberts.

This production is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#22 Moderation by Alice McKee - performed by Freya Mavor

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 01:00:00 +0100

A social media moderator is forced to view thousands of graphic images every day. At a toddler’s birthday party, she finds herself plagued by intrusive thoughts.

Moderation was written by Alice McKee and performed by Freya Mavor. It was directed by Max Elton with sound design and music by Jack Baxter.

This production is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#21 Send Nudes written and performed by Katie Burnett

Fri, 21 May 2021 11:00:00 +0100

It can be easy and simple, it can be fun and sexy, but sometimes it can be more. A nude image is not just a photo – but also a reflection of our hopes and dreams.

Send Nudes was written and performed by Katie Burnett. It was directed by Joshua Roche with sound design by Joseff Harris.

This production is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#20 Bath Time by Daisy Hall - performed by Anna Chancellor and Jason Watkins

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +0100

Alfred is desperate to get in the bath but for his own good, Marjory won’t let him. He knows she’s right of course, but surely one toe wouldn’t hurt?

Bath Time was written by Daisy Hall and performed by Jason Watkins and Anna Chancellor. It was directed by Hannah de Ville and sound designed by Tingying Dong.

This production is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#19 Sharp by Cat Kolubayev - performed by Aisling Franciosi and Troy Alexander

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 01:00:00 +0100

Gina is flying home from Puerto Rico when her plane makes an unscheduled stop. Before long, she is in an interrogation room, trying to answer some awkward questions about the contents of her suitcase.

Sharp was written by Cat Kolubayev and performed by Aisling Franciosi and Troy Alexander. It was directed by Alice Fitzegerald with sound design by Annie May Fletcher.

This audio play is based on a true story although some aspects have been dramatised for effect.

This production is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#18 Tremors by Nadya Menuhin - performed by Tamsin Greig

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Feeling the rumblings of violence and social collapse, a woman prepares for the end of the world.

As she does, it becomes increasingly clear that everyone else is ignoring the inevitable.

Tremors was written by Nadya Menuhin and performed by Tamsin Greig. It was directed by Max Elton and sound designed by Max Pappenheim.

This production is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#17 Fib by Annie Williams - performed by Aimie Atkinson

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 01:00:00 +0000

"I have lied about a lot of things. I have lied about where I live, how old I am, about why I’m late to the party. I have lied about reading certain books, about visiting certain countries, about having an A in GCSE Spanish. I have lied about who I’ve slept with, about who I’ve wanted to sleep with, about wanting to go on second dates. I am not a liar, though. I am not a liar."

After an odd first date, Jamie begins to question her relationship with the truth. Embellishing a story is one thing, but what happens when you go too far.

Fib was written by Annie Williams and performed by Aimie Atkinson. It was directed by Hannah Hauer-King with sound design by Nicola T Chang.

This production is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#16 Box Ticking by Robert Darke - performed by Conor MacNeill

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +0000

"We both agreed that I was the funny one in the relationship. The only joke I ever told she didn't like was that one about those little Thai footy fellas that fell down that well and had to be scoobied out by that fella that turned out to not be a paedophile. And fair play, that joke was in bad taste. I'm a big enough man to admit that. Some men wouldn't. She never gave me enough credit for that, how big I can be."

As Ainsley delivers a mysterious parcel for a former lover, he contemplates how he has ended up here and what it means to be a modern man.

BOX TICKING stars Conor MacNeill (Industry, The Fall; BBC) as Ainsley. It was written by Robert Darke and directed by Grace Vaughan, with sound design by Piers Sherwood Roberts.

The Painkiller Project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#15 Breech by Georgia Green - performed by Jessica Clark

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 02:00:00 +0000

Deep in the heart of the Devon countryside, Billie and her boyfriend are trying to enjoy a romantic getaway when they are interrupted by a strange encounter. As her boyfriend searches for help, Billie decides to take the problem into her own hands.

‘Breech’ asks what it really means to do the right thing and the danger of intervening in something you know nothing about.

Breech was written by Georgia Green and performed by Jessica Clark. It was directed by Emma Jude Harris with sound design by Lex Kosanke.

The Painkiller Project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#14 The Utopians by Joe Regan - performed by Tom Mothersdale

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 03:00:00 +0000

"They say travel broadens the mind. It’s flattened mine. I really should think about leaving this hostel soon. This hostel’s largely the problem, I suspect. There’s a younger crowd here. The Utopians, I call them. I’ve lived a little longer than them, which means I’ve fallen out of step. I’ve no interest in salvation or renewal, and they can sense that, and they’ve closed ranks as a result. The more I upset them, the more... well how do I even describe it?"

As he binges on DVDs in the Cinema Room of a Colombian Hostel, a man approaching middle-age contemplates how hopelessly adrift he feels from his younger guests. Falling in and out of consciousness, he can’t help but think there are darker forces at play.

The Utopians is performed by Tom Mothersdale. It was written by Joe Regan and directed by Tom MacQueen, with sound design from Piers Sherwood-Roberts.

The Painkiller Project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#13 Shadows Burning by William Dobson - performed by Chris Lew Kum Hoi

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

"A kill’s a kill. Death comes as a thief in the night, wearing only socks. Or a waiter slipping poison into the groom’s champagne. I don’t choose my hits. Some do, but I think that’s a recipe for discrimination."

When an assassin is tasked with a statement kill, he plans the job in his usual way. However, upon meeting his mark he realises things are not going to be as straightforward as he thought.

SHADOWS BURNING stars Chris Lew Kum Hoi as Daisuke. It was written by William Dobson and directed by Max Elton, with sound design from Max Pappenheim. It is available now on The Painkiller Podcast.

The Painkiller Project has received a National Lottery Funded Project Grant from Arts Council England.

However, it is still crucial that we raise additional funds to support the continuation of the project. If you enjoy our work and would like to support it, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.
Become a Patron on our Patreon page. This gives you access to bonus material, such as interviews with the winning playwrights and PDF copies of their scripts.

#12 Tenants by Marcus Orlandi - performed by Rachel Stirling

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 02:00:00 +0000

"Yes, I know you've only got your pension to live off and no, I know it's not much these days, but what do you think my mortgage is going to do, pay itself?"

Matilda has been renting out her second home for years and those walls hold some stories. She hasn’t heard from her current tenant in over two months so she decides to pay her a surprise visit to find out what’s going on and, more importantly, get her money.

Tenants is performed by Rachael Stirling and was written by Marcus Orlandi, directed by Max Elton, with sound design from Piers Sherwood Roberts.

If you enjoy this play and you’d like to support the continuation of the project, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project visit www.bitterpilltheatre.com

From next month, our productions will be supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

#11 Arsehole by Louis Catliff - performed by Daniel Portman

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 02:00:00 +0000

#11 Arsehole by Louis Catliff - performed by Daniel Portman

"I know what you’re thinking. How can you let them do that to you? Just sit there and get pumped full of semi-digested fast food for a dare by some spotty little orc and his posse of sniggering twelve-year-olds.

"You think I’m disgusting. Well, you’re wrong. I am not disgusting. This isn’t me. Do you realise what I cost when new?!My rim should be being kept warm by the cheeks of Kings, Emperors. Popstars. A higher class of ass."

Trapped in a vintage bathroom fittings shop in Slough, a display toilet endures daily humiliation. But it hasn’t always been this way…

Arsehole is a madcap comedy that tells the sordid story of Russian Oligarchs, lavish parties and betrayal…

Arsehole was written by Louis Catliff and performed by Daniel Portman. It was directed by Max Elton and sound designed by Piers Sherwood Roberts.

If you enjoy this play and you’d like to support the continuation of the project, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project visit www.bitterpilltheatre.com

From next month, our productions will be supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

#10 Wow! I Feel Nothing by Nicola Maclean - performed by Kate Fleetwood

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

"My mum had three rules for sex:
Rule 1: Keep your head down, eyes up.
Rule 2: Always take your pill.
Rule 3: If they ask you, "Who's your daddy?" tell them you can't remember. It always throws them off."

Olive is walking through the city streets in the dead of night. She is on her way home from her first ever one night stand and she's wondering if she's skipped the part of her life where this behaviour is fun and exciting. Is everything getting a bit out of hand?

“Wow! I Feel Nothing” is an intimate reflection on how our loved ones stay with us in the strangest of ways.

Wow! I Feel Nothing was written by Nicola Maclean and performed by Kate Fleetwood. It was directed by Hannah Hauer-King and sound designed by Nicola T. Chang.

If you enjoy this play and you’d like to support the continuation of the project, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project visit www.bitterpilltheatre.com

From next month, our productions will be supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

#9 Object by Theo Hristov - performed by Alex Lawther

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 15:00:00 +0100

"You know what’s crazy? It’s crazy I’m actually saying this out loud because this sort of makes it... what? Real. Tangible. Legitimate. Gives it weight.

It being what happens next."

When his teacher asks him to stay behind after class, Leo doesn’t know what to expect. Years later, he tries to untangle the encounter that followed. How does he really feel about what happened that day?

Object was written by Theo Hristov and performed by Alex Lawther. It was directed by Hew Rous-Eyre and sound designed by Piers Sherwood-Roberts.

If you enjoy this play and you’d like to support the continuation of the project, you can either:

Make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project visit www.bitterpilltheatre.com

#8 Paper Thin by Eliot J Fallows - performed by Pearl Mackie

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 01:00:00 +0100

Paper Thin by Eliot J Fallows

"I don't say hello at first. That can scare off the “aliens” - what I call the new starters, gift-buyers, confused old people and poser hipsters who pretend they read comics all the time, but really can't afford it"

When an oblivious father enters her comic book shop, Vanessa is tasked with finding out what he wants without giving away a secret that could make the whole transaction very awkward.

Paper Thin was written by Eliot J Fallows. It was performed by Pearl Mackie, directed by Dom Riley and sound designed by Piers Sherwood-Roberts.

Bitter Pill are committed to producing new writing until theatres in the UK reopen. Through The Painkiller Project, we’re open for submissions once a month and are producing two plays from each submission window.

If you enjoy the play you’re about to hear and you’d like to support the continuation of the project, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, you can become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project - https://www.bitterpilltheatre.com/

#7 People Watching by Liam Kelly - performed by Steffan Rhodri

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 01:00:00 +0100

People Watching by Liam Kelly

"Gaze upon this non-entity dragging his feet past HMV. F**king odourless fart. Utterly unremarkable. All the charisma of a deflated colostomy bag. Take a good gander because you’re looking at the future Prime Minister."

John Bull likes to watch people. He sees everything: every dirty little secret and every skeleton in the closet. People make assumptions about him, but if they knew what he knew, they might think again.

People Watching is a caustic comedy that asks what we can ever hope to know about the people we pass on the street - and what they might know about us.

People Watching was written by Liam Kelly. It was performed by Steffan Rhodri. It was Directed by Hew Rous-Eyre and Sound Designed by Piers Sherwood Roberts.

Bitter Pill are committed to producing new writing until theatres in the UK reopen. Through The Painkiller Project, we’re open for submissions once a month and are producing two plays from each submission window.

If you enjoy the play you’re about to hear and you’d like to support the continuation of the project, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, you can become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project - https://www.bitterpilltheatre.com/

#6 Severance Package by Freddie van der Velde - performed by Nicola Coughlan

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Severance Package by Freddie van der Velde

Despite giving her life to an investment bank - financial analyst and modafinil guzzler Olivia May is being made redundant. Furious with the decision, she refuses to leave until she gets what she’s owed.

Severance Package is an explosive comedy that explores our relationship with wealth, privilege and grapefruit knives.

Severance Package was written by Freddie van der Velde. It was performed by Nicola Coughlan and Kate Stokes. It was Directed by Hannah De Ville and Sound Designed by Piers Sherwood Roberts.

Bitter Pill are committed to producing new writing until theatres in the UK reopen. Through The Painkiller Project, we’re open for submissions once a month and are producing two plays from each submission window.

If you enjoy the play you’re about to hear and you’d like to support the continuation of the project, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, you can become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project - https://www.bitterpilltheatre.com/

#5 O Sister, Where Art Thou? by Will Farrell - performed by Charlotte Ritchie and Justin Edwards

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 03:00:00 +0100

O Sister, Where Art Thou? by Will Farrell

When Liz decides to track down her long-lost brother she turns to a private investigator. Martin Hooper, (P.I.) is more than happy to take the case but before long Liz is faced with an uncomfortable truth…Martin might not be the best sleuth for the job.

O Sister, Where Art Thou? is a comic and outlandish record of a troubling yet entirely fictitious case.

O Sister, Where Art Thou? was written by Will Farrell. It was performed by Charlotte Ritchie and Justin Edwards. It was Directed by Max Elton and sound designed by Charlie Pelling.

Bitter Pill are committed to producing new writing until theatres in the UK reopen. Through The Painkiller Project, we’re open for submissions once a month and are producing two plays from each submission window.

If you enjoy the play you’re about to hear and you’d like to support the continuation of the project, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, you can become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project - https://www.bitterpilltheatre.com/

#4 Smoking Reduces Fertility by Ella Thompson - performed by Noma Dumezweni and Jessica Barden

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 02:00:00 +0100

Smoking Reduces Fertility

Laura has a secret which has changed everything.

It has caused her to question her perfectly put together life and to leave her daughter with the nanny.

Smoking Reduces Fertility is a sharp portrayal of motherhood and a foreboding glimpse into the minds of two women on the edge

Smoking Reduces Fertility was written by Ella Thompson. It was performed by Noma Dumezweni and Jessica Barden. It was Directed by Grace Vaughan and sound designed by Piers Sherwood-Roberts.

Bitter Pill are committed to producing new writing until theatres in the UK reopen. Through The Painkiller Project, we’re open for submissions once a month and are producing two plays from each submission window.

If you enjoy the play you’re about to hear and you’d like to support the continuation of the project, you can make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, you can become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project - https://www.bitterpilltheatre.com/

#3 The Last Manicure by Amy Baty - performed by Miriam Margolyes

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 15:00:00 +0100

“Nails don’t get wrinkles. My hands look like walnuts but my nails could be anyone's."

Harriet is 78 years old. She gets her nails done every week so she can sit opposite Tien. A beautician who is too young to mention.

The Last Manicure is a dark comedy that looks at need, desire and the brutality of growing old.

Cast: Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter, Age of Innocence, Blackadder, Romeo + Juliet).

Creatives: Written by Amy Baty, Directed by Max Elton, Sound by Piers Sherwood-Roberts.

Bitter Pill are trying to produce new writing until theatres in the UK reopen. Through The Painkiller Project, they are open for submissions once a month and are producing a winning play each fortnight as a podcast available as The Painkiller Podcast on all podcast platforms. They plan to stage highlights from the project in front of an audience at a point after this becomes a possibility.

As things currently stand, we are getting closer to the point where everyone involved in the project gets paid. This is because of the generosity of those who have donated to the project, to whom we would like to say, thank you so much.

If you can afford to donate, or if you know anyone who might want to support the project, there are two options:

You can make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre

Or, you can become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project - https://www.bitterpilltheatre.com/

#2 A Case of Mistaken Identity by Gus Crotty - performed by Toby Jones and Owen Teale

Wed, 27 May 2020 14:00:00 +0100

“People die doing the most ridiculous things. Changing TV aerials, falling out of the window putting their trousers on. Doing crosswords."

On a park bench, Michael is joined by a man of grotesque proportions who has clearly mistaken him for someone else. A Case of Mistaken Identity is an absurd and witty vignette, that explores the dark matter of…wrong place, wrong time.

Cast: BAFTA and Olivier Award-Winning Toby Jones (Berberian Sound Studio, Marvellous, The Birthday Party, Uncle Vanya) and Tony Award-Winning Owen Teale (Game of Thrones, Dream Horse, Discovery of Witches, Rutherford and Son and Ivanov at the National Theatre).

Bitter Pill are trying to produce new writing until theatres in the UK reopen. Through The Painkiller Project, they are open for submissions once a month and are producing a winning play each fortnight as a podcast available as The Painkiller Podcast on all podcast platforms. They plan to stage highlights from the project in front of an audience at a point after this becomes a possibility.

As things currently stand, we are getting closer to the point where everyone involved in the project gets paid. This is because of the generosity of those who have donated to the project, to whom we would like to say, thank you so much.

If you can afford to donate, or if you know anyone who might want to support the project, there are two options:

You can make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre

Or, you can become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project - https://www.bitterpilltheatre.com/

#1 Stuff by Alison Carr - performed by Sophie Thompson

Mon, 04 May 2020 13:00:00 +0100

Hello? Are you squished? Have I squelched you?

When a woman’s bath falls through the floor into the flat below, she meets her downstairs neighbour for the very first time.

This unforeseen meeting raises plenty of questions. Why is the bath full of tabloids and celebrity magazines? Where are all of the downstairs neighbour’s belongings? Is it possible to have too much stuff? Is it possible to have too little?

Stuff is a witty and surreal reminder that we never know what the insides of other people’s homes look like and asks how far we might go for some space.

Written by Alison Carr. Directed by Max Elton. Sound by Piers Sherwood-Roberts. Cast: Sophie Thompson (Feel Good, Present Laughter (Old Vic), Four Weddings and a Funeral).

Bitter Pill committed to producing new writing until theatres in the UK reopen. Through The Painkiller Project, we are open for submissions once a fortnight and are producing the winning play each fortnight as a podcast available as The Painkiller Podcast on all podcast platforms. We plan to stage highlights from the project in front of an audience at a point after this becomes a possibility.

We have already raised some money to get the project off the ground. If people like this idea and it grows, we hope to pay everyone else involved in the project. For this to happen, in the long run, we are going to be reliant on the generosity of others.

If you can afford to donate, or if you know anyone who might want to donate to the continuation of the project there are two options:

You can make a one-off donation through PayPal.me - https://www.paypal.me/bitterpilltheatre
Or, you can become a patron to the project through Patreon. This allows you to make a donation that would be repeated each time a new winning play is released, fortnightly - http://patreon.com/bitterpilltheatre

It would mean the world to us and allow us to make more work.

To find out more about Bitter Pill or to subscribe to our mailing list for more news about The Painkiller Project - https://www.bitterpilltheatre.com/