Award-winning Hull-based theatre company Silent Uproar (The Night of the Werewolves LIVE; A Super Happy Story About Feeling Super Sad; Dead Girls Rising) has announced the return of Shit Life Crisis, the 5-star reviewed sing-along karaoke theatre show written by Olivia Hannah (Braids).
A darkly hilarious portrayal of survival in the face of terminal illness, grief, and unexpected friendships, Hannah’s drama explores the complicated reality of life after diagnosis, where the “all clear” doesn’t necessarily mean everything’s going to be okay. Soundtracked by queer pop anthems from Chappell Roan to Icona Pop and more, Shit Life Crisis dives into the messy, bittersweet reality of learning how to live again.
With support from Hull’s City Health Care Partnership Foundation (CHCP), new performances of Shit Life Crisis will take place throughout July at Hull’s iconic Hull Truck Theatre.
Directed by Silent Uproar Artistic Director, Alex Mitchell, Shit Life Crisis follows Grace, who has smashed cancer with the unwavering support of her ride-or-die friend Abbie, but victory has begun to feel like a bad joke. She has tried, tirelessly, to climb out of a pit of streaming and scrolling, following Abbie’s 100 step plan to being alive, but is still gripped by fear.
Brimming with humour, the volume is cranked up as the chemo buddies throw a party in the spirit of friendship, survival, and confronting the woes of modern living. Shit Life Crisis is a darkly funny, raw exploration of the devastating experience of cancer, recovering, and thriving. Inviting audiences to belt along together to the soundtrack of life, the show’s sinister edges are balanced by moments of togetherness, love, and ultimately hope.
Speaking on Shit Life Crisis, writer Olivia Hannah said: “This play has been percolating for a long time, mainly because it feels so important to get it right. It’s not just about the story itself, but how it’s told. Making it a karaoke show feels like the perfect evolution for it and Silent Uproar are the perfect collaborators. I’m so excited to see it come to life!”
Speaking on the return of Shit Life Crisis, and partnership with the Hull City Health Care Partnership Foundation, Silent Uproar’s Artistic Director and CEO Alex Mitchell, said: “We are delighted and deeply grateful to CHCP for bringing Shit Life Crisis back to Hull. At a time when staging new writing is more challenging than ever, the Foundation’s backing means we can share Olivia’s bittersweet, tender and life-affirming work with audiences once again. The script offers an honest and hopeful perspective on living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis, challenging the stigma and assumptions that can surround it, with great performances and a banging sing-along soundtrack.”
Shit Life Crisis will take place in the Godber Studio at Hull Truck Theatre (HU2 8LB). Performances are suitable for audiences aged 16+. Please note that the show contains strong language, sexual content, and references to death, cancer, and recovery.