Why I Stuck A Flare Up My A*** For England

Thursday 7 May 19:30

From Edinburgh Fringe to Real-World Impact: How One Show Sparked a Movement

What began as a visit to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024 has grown into something far more powerful than a single performance.

Following that trip, we were proud to programme Why I Stuck A Flare Up My A** for England!* at Macready Theatre — a bold and unflinching piece written and performed by Alex Hill.

But what happened next went far beyond the stage.

Creating Conversations That Matter

Our post-show Q&A, featuring Alex Hill, opened the door to meaningful collaboration with organisations doing vital work in our communities. We were honoured to welcome both NHS Talking Therapies and It Takes Balls to Talk to join the discussion, shining a light on the realities of men’s mental health.

As one representative from NHS Talking Therapies shared:

“You publicly putting a spotlight on them is needed to allow us to do our jobs more effectively and efficiently.”

These conversations reinforced just how essential it is to break stigma and create safe spaces for dialogue.

Inspiring New Creative Work

The ripple effect didn’t stop there.

After attending the performance, Alex Cotton was inspired to create a brand-new musical, exploring the work of street triage teams and the life-changing connections they build with people in crisis.

While we weren’t able to programme the production due to its amateur status, we proudly supported its development behind the scenes. The show went on to win an award—and more importantly, amplified awareness of the incredible work happening across Coventry and Warwickshire.

A True Reflection of Our Mission

This journey is a powerful example of our commitment at Macready Theatre “to educate and inspire.” It demonstrates how theatre can be more than entertainment—it can be a catalyst for change, connection, and community impact.

Coming Back – Bigger Than Ever

We’re thrilled to announce that Why I Stuck A Flare Up My A** for England!* returns to Macready Theatre next month, ahead of its highly anticipated West End run.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that’s not only entertaining audiences—but changing lives.