A bit about me:
I'm Alice and I'm an actress/writer/director, currently an emerging artist on Chichester Festival Theatre's Artist development programme. Through this programme, I have been writing and developing my play 'Sticky', which will be performed in CFT's new 120 seat theatre space on 6th, 8th and 9th August 2025. CFT have generously supported the development of me and my piece for the past 15 months, funding two R&D's and programming ’Sticky’ in the opening season of 'The Nest'. This is why I am now turning to you to ask for your support. We don't quite have enough money as it stands to put this show on, in the way that we would like to, ensuring that our full cast and creative team are paid what they deserve.
A bit more detail about the play itself:
"Sticky" is a play with folk music, inspired by true events, which follows Charlie as she navigates her father Patrick's early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. As their roles reverse sooner than expected, Charlie learns the hard way that even when attempts to connect fall short, the act of trying has to be enough. In her need for answers—and to hold onto her dad as she remembers him —Charlie takes us on a journey through time, revisiting key moments in their lives.
Sticky uses a cast of four, two of whom are actor musicians, creating the musical time machine that carries us seamlessly through time from 1980's Belfast to the present day.
Why this story?
Over ten years ago now, my dad was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of fifty five. He was still in the prime of his life as a brilliant father, member of the fire service and amateur stand up comic (his audience being myself, my two siblings and our cocker spaniel, Oscar). Since his diagnosis, I have felt compelled to create and encourage conversations around early onset dementias, especially within the younger generations as I know first-hand that supporting a loved one living with this disease can be an isolating experience. 'Sticky' does just that. Alongside our three performances, we will be holding a post-show connection session, supported by Alzheimer's research UK and local dementia support hub Sage House, where we hope to chat about the themes of the show, create connections and signpost our audiences towards communities and resources that may offer the support they need.
Who's involved?
We have an incredible creative team on board:
Director: Fiona Dunn - most recently associate director on 'Backstroke' and 'Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812' at The Donmar Warehouse.
Composer: Eamonn O'Dwyer - 'Never let me go', 'Coram Boy', 'Hey! Christmas Tree' to name a few.
Designer: Bob Sterrett - 'Spring Awakening' - Mountview London, 'Then, now, next'- The Southwark Playhouse, 'Gay Pride & No Prejudice' - The Union Theatre and many more.
Our previous R&D cast included:
Sonya Cullingford - Most recently in 'Ballet Shoes' at The National Theatre.
Brenock O'Connor - Game of Thrones, Alex Rider and most recently Keith Richards in 'Redlands at CFT. As well as his stage and screen career, Brenock is a musician under the name Mcgovern.
Stephen Kennedy - Best known for his role in ' The Archers' Stephen has had an extensive career across stage and screen and radio.
Our hope is to be able to work with these brilliant actors again, but in order to do his, we need to know we have the funds to pay them what they deserve. This is where your support comes in.
We are seeking financial support from individuals or companies passionate about raising awareness for Dementia and Alzheimer's, or those who are simply dedicated to supporting new theatre and emerging theatre-makers. Most importantly, they will play a vital role in the development of a new theatre production with the ultimate goal of creating a world without dementia.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read. I would like to stress that any financial support towards the development and production of ‘Sticky’ will be hugely appreciated. This story is, of course, so close to my heart and I feel so passionately about having the chance to tell it.