In 2016, I began to write down word for word conversations I was having whilst in the midst of getting the contraceptive pill and the exhausting rigmarole that came with it. I remember thinking, "Surely I'm not the only one to have experienced all of this" and found that writing about my experience allowed me to process how difficult it had truly been.
Fast forward 6 and half years and through extensive research, a practical dissertation, development workshops and a lot of open discussion: Pill has become a piece of theatre that represents so many women's experiences, as well as my own.
My aim with Pill has always been to prompt people into action over their sexual health and to help them retrieve the information they need with regards to contraceptives, and after 2 short, 15-minute performances of Pill back in 2018 and 2019, I realised the importance of this show. Not to mention that the Pill has never been spoken about at length in any published piece of theatre!
In 2022, we took Pill, at its full length, to three festivals around the UK, and the reactions from our audiences were nothing short of eye-opening. Those who had experienced problems with contraceptives and sexual health care suddenly felt seen and important discussions were raised about how we can continue to share this story and reach a wider community of people.
A constant source of inspiration throughout the Pill's journey has been this quote from 'Sweetening The Pill' author, Holly Grigg-Spall:
“Depression and anxiety from hormonal contraceptives may not be the experience of every woman, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the experience of your friend, your daughter or your partner, and of many women out there, who, in reading about this could have their lives changed for the better.”
It sums up everything Pill is and its core purpose and highlights why this piece will continue to be relevant for years to come.
With that, I am very proud to present to you, Pill