Populated :: Making Space: Disability Arts Festival
Hold tight… there’s a change coming.
Vivid, rebellious and joyful – join us as we laugh, roar and disco dance our way through our midlife! Rewritten and revamped since its sell-out tour in 2020, this upbeat, life-affirming show is packed with razor-sharp humour and disco.
Running Time
Show 80 mins + Disco party 60 mins.
Age guidance
14+ contains adult themes.
Accessibility
All shows are chilled performances, BSL interpreted, audio described and captioned.
Written by
Shelia Chapman
Direction and Dramaturgy by
Lucy Richardson
Co-Created by
Claire Hodgson, Jacqui Beckford and Karen Spicer
Watch the BSL Interpreted Trailer for Mid Life
Claire wants to perform a one-woman show called Mid Life in celebration of her 50th birthday. Her performance, however, is soon interrupted. Audio describer Karen, BSL interpreter Jacqui and the after-party DJ she’s booked, all have things they want to say. Laugh, cry and roar with us, as we disco dance our way through Mid Life!
“Brave, hilarious and powerful”
Audience member in Plymouth
“Totally inspired by its honesty, courage and power”
Audience member in 2020
“Life-affirming, familiar and poignant.”
Audience member in Brighton
Meet the cast of Mid Life
Emma Hughes
as Claire
Claire Hodgson plays Claire an overwhelmed mother aged 50. She is in HR, up to h… Claire Hodgson plays Claire an overwhelmed mother aged 50. She is in HR, up to her eyes
Josh Ward
as Claire
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Naomi Baldwin Webb
as Claire
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Becky Chapman
as Claire
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Becky Chapman
as Claire
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Eilís Davis
as Claire
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Jamie Beddard
as Claire
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Alice Chutter
as Claire
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Eilís Davis
as Claire
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Alice Chutter
as Claire
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Experience the Show Everyone’s Talking About
Mid Life was conceived by Claire Hodgson and co-created with Karen Spicer and Jacqui Beckford, drawing from their own life experiences and research by Dr. Isabel de Salis. This groundbreaking show explores the realities of midlife and menopause with humour, honesty, and heart—giving voice to those who are so often left out of the conversation.
Prioritising accessibility all performances are chilled, BSL interpreted, and audio described, ensuring that the experience is open to as many people as possible.
View the visual story via the button below which is designed for visitors attending any of the Mid Life shows. It contains information and images to help prepare you for your visit.
Garnering critical-acclaim, join the conversation
In 2021, the show was proudly Offie nominated for IDEA Production, recognising its innovation in inclusive theatre.
And the experience doesn’t stop when the curtain falls—after each performance, the cast and audience are invited to dance the night away with a live DJ set from the legendary Judith Jacob.
Join the conversation that’s changing the way we see ourselves—and each other. Menopause is not a niche issue—it affects everyone.
It’s time for action. It’s time for representation. It’s time for menopause to take centre stage.
A Big Thank You
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed their time creativity and energy to bring this show to life.
- Andrea Etherington
- Anita's Room and SDH Space
- Bangladeshi Bristol Women's Group
- Barbara Bradley (Spicer)
- Beth Gardner
- Briony Balsom
- Caroline Pearce
- David Annen
- Dr. Isabel De Salis
- Doreen Hodgson
- Farah Dignam
- Fay Blockley
- Hannah Walsh
- Helen Buckley-Hoffman
- Kath Newman
- Kim Byford
- Laurel Alberta Beckford nee Johnson-Frith
- Melanie Sramek-Bennett
- Doreen Hodgson
- Monica Silkenas
- Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings MBE
- Podington Bear
- Sarah Johnson
- Sarah Saeed
- Scarlett Hodgson
- Shiloh-Rosh Ijoyemi
- Sharon Schofield
- Swimmin Wimmin of Swanage – Swim Club
- Tom Strudwick
- Tor Lloyd
- Winnie Apollo-Schubert
- Yvonne Beckford
- Zuri Rose Mpaka
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