Preston theatre company crowdfunding to provide free performances of domestic abuse drama

Lady In Red actor — Lady In Red explores one woman’s attempts to leave an abusive relationship

A Preston professional theatre company is crowdfunding for a new project to help combat domestic abuse.

Certain Curtain Theatre Company specialises in original theatre exploring important social issues and operates without any revenue funding.

The firm is crowdfunding to provide free live performances of its domestic abuse drama Lady In Red, and also to film the play for digital screenings with British Sign Language interpretation.

Lady In Red is described as “the definitive coercive control drama”. It explores one woman’s attempts to leave an abusive relationship and the barriers she faces. It also has an after-show discussion to further explore the issues and put people in touch with local support services.

Certain Curtain Director Claire Moore said: “Domestic abuse is a very real issue for our communities and our work, using dynamic original theatre, not only raises awareness of the issues but also of the support available.

“Women with disabilities are twice as likely than non-disabled women to experience domestic abuse and this is the first step in making this play more accessible.”

Speaking about the show, Penny Clough MBE – mother of Jane Clough, the Blackpool nurse who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend – said: “All people in services dealing with victims of domestic abuse need to see this including police, CPS and judges.”

The crowdfunder has so far raised over £16,000 of the £20,000 target.

Claire added: “We need Lancashire’s help to raise the outstanding money by November and reach our target or we lose all we have raised.”

Donations can be made via the Spacehive website.