Sue Ryding is one half of legendary comedy duo LipService. In 2022 her comedy partner Maggie Fox died and Sue was left with a shipping container full of stage props, costumes, wigs, hats, shoes, sheep, you name it. This show looks at all the “stuff” we accumulate, hoard and hate to let go.
In this humorous and creative response to grief, Sue struggles to part with a life sized stuffed sheep, a badger onesie, some ruby slippers, a sinking bog, Charlotte Bronte’s knickers and a host of soft toys. Touring anecdotes are combined with archive footage from LipService shows. We follow the stories of things Sue has already given away, the wicker horse that appeared every night in an improvised panto, the vintage suitcases turned into a sculpture in Stockport, the crazy Chief Exec of the Tall Ships Festival who dresses up as a fish!
Not all the items will be making it back up the loft ladder, so the audience is invited to take something home. Sue is aiming to end up with “the right stuff”, a small selection that captures the essence of LipService Theatre to go into a national theatre collection. Help Sue on her journey of letting go.
“Walks the line between side splittingly funny and genuinely heartfelt… a little bit like magic” – The Reviews Hub
“The most heartwarming show. It made me laugh, it made me cry. So beautifully scripted… Thank you for sharing your journey of loss and grief, and equally thank you for keeping Maggie’s memory alive”- Audience feedback
CAST & CREATIVES
Written & performed by Sue Ryding
Directed by Mark Chatterton
Dramaturgy by Lawrence Till
Designed by Nikki Charlesworth
Composed by Oliver Vibrans
Video Artist Connoll Pavey
Production Manager Rob Athorn
Running time: Approx 90mins
12+
AD is available on request.