As we head towards this evening, I need to thank a few people, who were instrumental in making this happen.
Tim Hoare is one of the most thoughtful, astute and gracious people I have ever worked with in this industry. I have been extremely privileged to work with him. A brilliant director, and now friend.
Thank you to Mark Cartwright for believing in the play and working bloody hard to make sure that it happened.
Sarah and Jane Gordy are two of the biggest loves of my lives. Sarah's performance is pure uninhibited magic.
Penny, Ian and Nicky have been phenomenal. All three are incredibly generous actors at the top of their game. Thank you for all that you have brought to this.
Nina Steiger read this play many moons ago when it was just a germ of an idea. Thank you for remembering it. Thank you for championing it. I won’t forget it.
Additionally, thank you to all at the NT Studio who have assisted us in getting the play on its feet, from providing space for the initial workshop to helping us trial an earpiece.
Jellyfish was cast with the assistance of Charlotte Bevan and ProFile. ProFile is an online video database of d/Deaf and disabled performers, built by the National Theatre and Spotlight, for the use of casting directors and other professionals in the theatre, film and television industries to discover new d/Deaf and disabled talent, and to champion this group of artists. It’s already an invaluable resource.
To the entire team at the Bush- being part of this season is an honour. Thank you for being so welcoming.
Amy Jane Cook, Jamie Platt and Ella Wahlström- your work is amazing.
Thanks to Celia Dugua, David Lam, Hana Keegan, Zo Elsmore, and Joy Laing for all their hard work and help throughout this process.
Kate Fleetwood and Philip McGinley were part of the original workshop process for the play at the NT Studio, and their insights were invaluable.
Thanks to Lily Williams and Chloe Beeson at Curtis Brown.
Thanks to Dom O’Hanlon, Lauren Crisp and all at Bloomsbury who have created the gorgeous playtext.
I owe more than several pints to Adam Hughes, Francis Grin, Lindsay Weatherill, Stewart Pringle, Carey Fitzhugh, Charlie Weedon, Suba Das, Anna Brewer and Chris Cuming, who all read the play in various forms over the years.
Thank you to Lee Mattinson for giving me some very helpful answers to a couple of questions. Sorry we still haven’t had a gin yet. Soon!
I was assisted in my research by many, many people. Thank you to all who have answered my questions, taught me about Down’s Syndrome, shared their stories and allowed me to be part of the conversation. Thanks for being patient and allowing me to ask what if? I am passionate about the issues raised in the play and hope the discussion it provokes is helpful.
Special thanks to Hector Guinness.
Simon Atkinson and Emma Michaud are two of the reasons I am able to live in London and pay my rent whilst doing this. I genuinely couldn’t do it without them. Thank you for being flexible.
Finally, thank you to my new husband- Chris Lowe. You didn’t bat an eyelid when I told you the play would open three days after our wedding. I am looking forward to growing old and despicable with you.
