Always on
This project successfully funded on 31st August 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
I'll Be Back
Kingswinford, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Aim
Take I'll Be Back from a work-in-progress to a blockbuster quality, tourable show, which will bring joy to audiences for years to come
What's the project?
I’ll Be Back is an innovative new solo comic play which parodies the Terminator films. It follows the story of a Terminator built with Windows 95, who must return to the West Midlands in the 1990s on a quest to save the world and discover the truth about her life.
“Comedy, tragedy, time travel, motorcycle chases, impressively rendered explosions, and (of course) a montage all squeezed into its runtime”
- DAILY INFO
What's the funding for?
Following a successful work-in-progress showing, the production requires funding for the final development stage in August and previews in September - finalising the direction, design, lighting and sound, and promotion - so it is ready for regional touring in 2026.
The budget requirements are as follows:
Director fee: £1615
Assistant Director fee: £360
Technician fee: £300
Videographer fee: £300
Props & costume: £250
Rehearsal space: £145
Print: £300
Venue deposit: £500
Total: £3770
What's the end result?
The end result of this development project will be a polished, high quality, entertaining and powerful one hour show which can tour to regional small-scale venues, with an ambition to move into mid-scale venues and international touring. This show will bring joy to audiences and develop the creative practices of those involved in its development.
“Genuine poignancy wrapped in clever quips, pop culture references and bravado.”
- DAILY INFO
How did this all start?
I drew inspiration from my love of the Terminator films, and have transposed these to an intimate personal story of a woman in Dudley who is broken-hearted from the disappearance of her brother. I have also used the cultural nostalgia of the 1990s from when I was growing up, which audiences have really connected with in this show, and in other works I have written.
“I’ve known Justine for three years now, and love her writing. Her background as a performer means she has a precision with tone and comedy, but also a real sense of emotional truth. She also has an excellent sense of how to make work which is both popular and of wide-appeal but also profound and meaningful.”
- Mike Bartlett (Doctor Foster, Chariots of Fire, Unicorn)
What's the plan?
I hope to make a difference to audiences by bringing this story to accessible regional theatres at an affordable price. I can only do this if the show is finished to a very high standard, and that is why this final stage development is crucial. The project will also generate paid work for creatives in a number of disciplines. I am an early-career theatre maker, so it will be a major springboard for my own creative practice, but will also help to sustain the careers of the directors, designers and technicians who are involved in its evolution. The arts industry is suffering from a major lack of paid work for freelancers, who are finding it tough to stay afloat.
Why give to this project?
The show has already been performed as a work-in-progress and was well-received. In order for the show to be ready and finalised for the previews and tour, it will require two weeks of rehearsal and development of the script, performance, and production values - with the support of experienced professionals and cultural partners.
I am receiving excellent support from Oxford Playhouse and the Old Fire Station, as they believe in the quality and future of the show, but now need the generosity of friends and people who believe in the potential of I'll Be Back give it this final push.
This final stage project is vital for the show to be a critical and commercial success. When you give to this project, you will be playing an essential role in its creation as a fully-formed production, and helping to make this the best show it can possibly be, bringing joy to audiences across the UK and - one day - beyond.
“Oxford Playhouse are delighted to be partnering on I’ll Be Back – a piece that deserves to be seen by the widest audience possible. Entertaining, highly skilful, innovative and moving – it’s the kind of generous piece of theatre that will charm theatre and comedy lovers alike, but also people who don’t normally think that theatre is for them. With two weeks further creative development (taking place at Oxford Playhouse), and the input of the partner organisations involved, I have no doubt that Justine will be able to create a foundation for the show – and her future work – that paves the way for audiences to benefit from this project for many years to come.”
- Mike Tweddle, Artistic Director and CEO, Oxford Playhouse
If you're not able to support this time round, I completely understand. I would love to see you at the previews in Oxford and Birmingham - click the links for tickets.
I'll Be Back will also be at The Glitch, Waterloo from 14-19 Jan 2026, and Wolverhampton Arena on 7 March 2026.
If you're able to spread the word about this campaign and about the show, I would be very grateful!
Thank you.
Justine Malone
Malone Wolf Theatre
@illbebackshow
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made