Written and performed by Suzy Crothers
It’s 1993, Mum won’t let Alice go to Funderland because Belfast is burning.
‘How about Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and Chinese chicken balls instead?’ Fast forward to 2023, where Alice meets Tim, finally falling in love (finally) but can she escape the legacy of a childhood shaped by conflict or is this the moment everything unravels? Troubled is an extraordinary tale of love, loss and human connection- told with tea and biscuits.
Blending storytelling, projection, and audience interaction, Troubled reckons with the past, offering us renewed hope for the future.
REVIEWS
One of ‘The Young female stars of the fringe theatre’ (The Scotsman 2025)
️️FINALIST for the 2025 Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award in partnership with The Scotsman.
️The Scotsman: 4 STARS ‘Warm intelligence and humour and a steady supply of tea and biscuits’
️The List: ‘It might even change your life a little’
️The Irish Voice: ‘A brilliantly clever piece of theatre’, ‘Utterly captivating’, ‘She had us in the palm of her hand’
️One 4 Review: 4.5 STARS ‘Her presence alone is magnetic’ ‘Intimate, generous and deeply human’ ‘Suzy Crothers holds the room in her thrall with an open heart and searing honesty’
️The Student Review: 4 STARS ‘Crothers’ performance style is one of immense charm’, ‘very effective and very moving’
️Fringe Review: ‘Highly recommended show’ ‘An impressive first solo show that lingers long after the biscuits have gone’ ‘Pacy, emotionally rich, disarmingly funny’
️What the fringe?!: ‘Highly commended show’ ‘This beautifully woven tale has you rooting for Alice till the end’, ‘Hope is here’
‘An excitingly honest depiction of the power of human connection told with exquisite language, stunning song and daring vulnerability’ – Haley McGee, Olivier Nominee 2022, Fringe First winner 2022.
‘warm intelligence and humour, and a steady supply of tea and biscuits’ – The Scotsman
‘An excitingly honest depiction of the power of human connection told with exquisite language, stunning song and daring vulnerability’ – Haley McGee, Olivier Nominee 2022, Fringe First winner 2022
Created with kind support from Arts Council England.
Thanks to: Lemn Sissay, Roisin Gallagher, Kate Baiden, Haley McGee, Georgia Hudson, Finbar Caules, Emily Carewe, Benn Keaveney, Tinderbox, Dr Emma Janes, Ellen Waghorn, Ruth Crothers, CCEN, all who contributed so generously to our crowdfunder.
Developed with Camden People’s Theatre, The Beaney Museum of Art and Knowledge, London Irish Centre, Crest Academy, Open School East, Arts Education Exchange, Dover Arts Development, Graeae, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, 1 Degree East.
TRIGGER WARNING:
This performance containsreference to the ‘Troubles’ (including archive news footage), BPD, alcohol misuse, conflict within home/society, descriptive language around a mental health crisis (incl reference to self harm/ hearing voices/ suicidal ideation), cancer/ bereavement.
Whilst these subjects are heavy, they are placed in the context of the lead character’s recovery journey and a feeling that a journey towards wellbeing is possible.
Age recommendation: 16yrs+
ACCESSIBILITY:There will be music playing as part of this event, as well as sound effects, to set the scene, but no sudden loud bangs. There will be no strobe or flashing lights. There may be haze used as part of this production. No other sensory aspects.
If you have any questions about accessibility or trigger warnings please do get in touch.
Produced by Suzy Crothers LTD
Executive producers – Roisin Gallagher and Patrick Handley
Directed by Amie Burns Walker
Creative associate – Annie Sutton
Movement direction by Nancy Kettle
Lighting and video by Rachel Sampley
Illustrations by Ruth Crothers
Sound by Ed Heaton
Dramaturgy by Adam Foster, Caroline Horton
Community facilitation by Annie Sutton
Access support by Ruth Mariner and Alice Dunham
Tickets also available from:
Visit Belfast | 028 90 246 609
9 Donegall Square North
- Open 7 days a Week
