Amelia Slater’s poignant and relatable one-woman play “Picking” is set to make its highly anticipated debut at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival 2024. Scheduled for three exclusive performances at Gullivers in Northern Quarter on Sunday 28, Monday 29, and Tuesday 30 of July, this compelling production is a must-see for fans of new writing, fringe theatre and stand-up comedy.
“Picking” is a love letter to the overthinkers, worriers, and the anxiously attached. Through the eyes of Catherine, audiences will journey through her experiences with mental health, obsession, friendships, and the often awkward world of sex and dating. It spotlights the challenges of being a twenty-something adult when self confidence and emotional stability feels like an impossible puzzle.
“I don’t need a man to validate me. I just need myself. Self love, guys! Am I right? Self love. Love thy self. That’s my new era. The era of self-loving, living and laughing. F*** everyone else.”
From vagina charts to giant gnats taking over the world, Catherine confides to the audience about her spiralling thought patterns that take centre stage after her flatmate Liv decides to stay at her boyfriend’s for the weekend. In a desperate bid to escape her biggest enemy, she ditches her dingy Manchester flat, leftover Dominoes and ginger cat Malcolm to find comfort in a clarinet-playing, DM-drowning red flag. Grappling with the idea of giving a “nice boy” a chance, Catherine entertains the idea of dating women, while also chasing a desperate need for validation from men, the audience, and most importantly herself.
Directed by the multi-award-winning theatre maker, performer, and director Selina Helliwell, “Picking” promises a captivating performance. Helliwell, known for her acclaimed one-woman play “The Formidable Lizzie Boone,” which won Chris on Theatre's 'Most Promising Debut',brings her unique vision and expertise to this production.
Produced by Blue Balloon, a female and non-binary led Manchester-based production company, “Picking” benefits from the creative talents of its co-founders, Rebecca Phythian and Jas Nisic. Rebecca, an actor, singer, and poet, established Blue Balloon in 2016, and Jas, an actor, producer, and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, joined her in co-running the company. Together, they champion new and diverse voices in the arts.
Sunday 28th, Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th July, 7.30pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Gullivers, 109 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW
£5 (Concession) and £10 (General) https://greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/events/picking/
