Hearthside Productions: Hysteria

Aim: Support the establishment of my new theatre company! Help me put on my debut play in London...

If you are reading this, then you are likely to know already that writing has developed from a passion to a vocation for me. As my masters at Oxford comes to a close, I am committing myself to pursuing writing professionally. There is nothing else I can imagine myself finding as much fulfillment through, and at the ripe old age of 23, I think I owe it to myself to give it my best possible shot. I can assure you all - friends, family, and kind strangers alike - that this will not be the beginning of many fundraisers, but rather the foundation from which I hope to launch a career. Your support will be directly responsible for giving my voice a platform. 

I am fundraising for the professional debut of my new play 'Hysteria' through the establishment of 'Hearthside Productions'. 'Hysteria' is an absurdist play set in an asylum out of time. It explores women’s experience of mental health throughout history, placing five historical figures on one hospital ward. Will the women work out that they are all from different time periods? Will they find the escape they so desperately crave? ‘Hysteria’ weaves court cases with cabaret, medications with music. But insanity is forever changing its definition…

'Hysteria' has been in the works for over a year. I wrote it during my first year at Oxford and developed it with the mentorship of my tutors and the peer support of my coursemates. It was chosen by an up-and-coming director to make a London debut, with the funds for the venue donated. It has also gained the interest of a professional producer through his development theatre company. Now we are raising the last bit of funding to make this all a reality! 

Theatre is everything to me. It is my way of understanding the world, my method of trying to improve it. If you can support me, in any way at all, I intend to turn your trust and belief into a career of dedication and perseverance. The first programme for 'Hysteria' will certainly have the names of all my supporters front and centre! I can't wait to share the results with you all...

This project successfully funded on 9th July 2025