The Criterion Theatre, Earlsdon - Event - a performance of: Springboard Festival 2025

Saturday 17th May. 'Balanced?' Running Order

Drama (20 minutes): 'One Thousand and One' by Camilla Whitehill, Directed by Gennie Holmes, Cast: Maya-Morgan Blundell-Smith, Iza- Olivia Simone, Doctor- Chris Ingall, Sam- Rob Bell

Maya is taking therapy one step at a time. A funny and uplifting play about mental health and friendship. Maya has bi-polar disorder and this sharp funny play shows how she steps back into the world with the support of those around her.

Poetry (20 minutes): John Bernard

Music (30 minutes): Nowhere Club

We are lucky enough to enjoy a second set in the festival from this acoustic Coventry duo, this time dedicated to their own songs, new and old.

In their own words, Nowhere Club are 'an accoustic-ish duo. Jingly jangly, twingly twangly folky harmonies". Coventrians Lewis Holmes and Adam Yarnell have been gigging all over the place this year and putting together their first studio album. Their multi-layered melodies and harmonies combine with witty, sometimes political and always heartfelt lyrics.

Poetry (5 minutes): Neslihan Ozar

Drama (10 minutes) : 'The Passing' By Wendy McNeilly, Directed by Andrew Sharpe, Cast: Talya Rajagukguk

Wendy McNeilly's short monologue play 'The Passing' is inspired by the plight of refugees around the world and the effects of climate change and of humanity's actions on others and on wildlife and nature. Wendy writes poetry and is working on further monologues, as well as a full-length play.

Interval

Music (20 minutes) Lauren South

As a perfect finale to the music at the festival this year is a second set from this accomplished Warwickshire singer/songwriter.

Drama (15 minutes) 'There is Always a Choice' by Andrew Sharpe, Directed by Jo Emery/Lucy Hayton, Cast: Katie Hamilton

Trapped by the horror of evil in her past, Erica (Katie Hamilton directed by Jo Emery) seeks strength in denial. Condemned by society for ‘poor lifestyle choices’, her anger and isolation grow. But her bonds only tighten and, trapped in a life she hates, she is faced with one final choice. This self-contained extract includes two new scenes, not yet seen in Coventry. For this performance, Lauren South will perform the finale ‘I’d be Proud’ featuring Andrew Sharpe’s lyrics to her music.