A chilling glimpse into the secret worlds and stolen years inside the asylums – ‘Persons fit to be removed’ cast out of sight on the fringes of society, were all these people truly Mad, Bad and Dangerous? Who is next?

Based on the testimonies of people who survived the asylums closed in the 1980s. Each of the actors was matched with people who lived or worked inside long stay hospitals. What reverberates is the extraordinary resilience and humanity of the courageous souls who have entrusted us with their stories.

“It was the mischief we got up to that saw us through.” Mary, survivor aged 80

The Knitting Circle was first developed at Soho Theatre with the following cast and creative team:

Writer: Julie McNamara
Director: Paulette Randall
Designer: Jessica Worrall
Visuals: Caglar Kimyoncu
Lighting Design: Crin Claxton
Sound Design: Theo Holloway
BSL Consultants: Hetty May Bailey, Deepa Shastri
Audio Description: Pauline Brandt
Stage Manager: Samantha Nurse
Assistant Stage Manager: Alan Clifton
Marketing: Catherine Long
Admin & DSM: Ruth Kennett

Cast: Ali Briggs, Becky Barry, Caroline Parker, Deni Francis, Esther McAuley, Fiona Whitelaw, Penelope Freeman, Sanjiv Hayre, Vincent Jerome

We were then offered support to further develop the work at Soho theatre in London. It sold out three weeks in advance of its’ opening at Soho before transferring to the Cochrane in Holborn and six national venues throughout the UK and Ireland.

Decibel Performing Arts showcase provided the only national showcase promoting the best artists across the creative industries working with diversity. We are very proud to have been present at both the 2009 and 2011 showcases, counted among the wide range of extraordinary talent presented.