This is bold, unapologetic, activist theatre that demands to be seen. Come and show up for the voices so often silenced—stand in solidarity, be moved, get angry.
WHAT is it?
A powerful solo theatre show performed by Viv Gordon, featuring beautiful set design. Bold, raw, and deeply moving – where theatre meets activism in an unforgettable way.
Part show, part installation, part collective act of resistance.
I was like wot! Abuse has shaped my whole life, and no-one ever talks about it.
Listen.
Silence.
And around this time the NSPCC published the report about the 11 million…
and then Jimmy Savile and up to a thousand victims…
and everyone agrees it’s awful…
but you’re still the downer at the dinner party if you talk about yourself as part of that narrative.
In a tipi in the middle of Somerset, when she was a new mum and there were only the wilds, Viv Gordon remembers. Through her characteristic humour and warmth, Viv leads us through the act of remembering and what happened next. A powerhouse of a show combining installation, live performance and collective acts of resistance – this is a vital call to arms.
“Without doubt the best example of theatre activism I’ve ever seen.”
Jo Watson – Founder, A Disorder for Everyone
“It leaves you mobilised, energised, furious and ready to speak up and end the silence.” – Audience Member
Content information: All of Viv Gordon Company’s work speaks about experiences of child sexual abuse, as our work is a creative campaign to increase voice by, with and for our community. There will be a wellbeing support person and signposting information available for anyone who needs it. If you would like more detailed information about show content ahead of attending or booking tickets, please contact Viv Gordon Company via hello@vivgordon.com and they’ll be happy to help.
Age guidance 16+
WHere
Gloucester Guildhall is on Eastgate Street and the postcode is GL1 1NS. The performance will take place in the main hall.
Kings Walk Car Park (GL1 1EA) is accessible through Guildhall (Level 3). You can also access the building from Eastgate Street.
Gloucester Transport Hub is a five-minute (0.2 miles) walk from the venue and the nearest bus stop to the venue is outside of Boots.
WHEN
Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 May 2025, 7:30pm
The performance will be 50 minutes. There will then be a 15minute break, followed by an optional 20 minute post-show chat with Viv Gordon.
money
We don’t want cost to be a barrier to entry, so this event is Pay What You Can.
access
Download the visual access guide for Cutting Out at Gloucester Guildhall:
Word doc // PDF
- Age guidance 16+
- The performance is relaxed; audience can come and go and return, and house lights will be raised enough to be able to move around the space as needed
- There will be experienced wellbeing support staff present
- A selection of fidgets will be available
- Find out more about access at Gloucester Guildhall (including information on toilets, parking, etc.)
- If you have any questions please get in touch, info@strikealight.org.uk
THANKS AND CREDITS
- Written and performed by Viv Gordon
- Directed and co-written by Tom Roden
- Music composed and performed by Thomas Johnson
- Designed by Imogen Harvey-Lewis
- Lighting Design by Chris Swain
- Produced by Kate McStraw
Supported by Strike A Light through their Let Artists Be Artists scheme, Women’s Centre Cornwall and National Centre for Creative Health.
Originally developed with support from National Lottery funding through Arts Council England, with additional support from Exeter Northcott Theatre, BARN Growth Fund through Take Art, Strode Theatre, Prema, Strike a Light and Lighthouse Poole. Produced by Molly Scarborough and Emma Bettridge.
Strike A Light 