“But although rooted in the city, the play reaches far beyond it in its humanist appeal. This is a play for anyone who has felt their youthful ideals slipping away. “Why do you get all this life if it can’t be used?” says Shirley, taking control. In Stephen Fletcher’s finely calibrated production, Carter draws the audience towards her in a warm, generous performance, majestic not only in its big laughs but in its contrasting moments of vulnerability and tender sentiment – followed, of course, by even bigger laughs.”
“★★★★★
Helen Carter’s performance is nothing short of perfection.”
“Stephen Fletcher’s direction is impeccable. Assisted by Jessica Meade, they ensure that Shirley’s character development is not just performed but felt. This version of Shirley is bold, her transformation tangible. The layers of her journey unfold gradually—each moment, from frying actual chips and egg in her floral apron to reclining in her luxurious floral silk robe whilst living out her dreams, is carefully considered.”
Touch
Becky Downing with FLOOD Theatre
2023
Unity Theatre
“I Had the privilege of seeing TOUCH tonight directed by Jess Meade. I cannot stress how beautiful the writing in this play is and how beautiful the direction is. They are the real deal. Spent about two hours after with my mate talking about the need to be seen.”
“A tapestry of stories exploring connection, loneliness and the value of being seen for who you are. Big, profound human experiences explored through ordinary days. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Delicate.”
“The most joyful disabled narrative I have seen on stage!”
A Billion Times I Love You
Patrick Maguire
2022
The Liverpool Everyman
“★★★★
Intensely realised.”
“★★★★
Compelling, touching and familiar... Jessica Meade’s direction is dynamic.”
“One of the most real love stories you’ll see on stage.”
“Playfully directed.”
Build a Rocket
Christopher York
2021
The Liverpool Everyman
“Meticulously directed, detailed and nuanced production which was powerfully moving and dynamic. Inspired and eager to attend the next one...”
“Absolutely blown away by the breadth and talent that has come through and breathed life back into The Liverpool Everyman. Jessica Meade’s interpretation of Build a Rocket is knockout!”
“This was the first play I’d seen in a long time due to lockdown and it blew my mind. The cast were utterly amazing, the story was told beautifully”
When you cure me
Jack Thorne
2018
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
“Completely captivating
and extremely relevant’ ”
“Meade’s careful craftsmanship enables
the audience to see and understand each
character’s perspective. It is a raw, honest and
an incredibly important piece of theatre”
Back in Blighty
Thread Theatre
Stage One, Leeds, 2018
“ Go and see this. ”
“A performance though set
in a different time has so much
relevance to life in our current climate.”
“Every production value was superb,
the dynamic of movement, music
and character performance was a
wonderful wave of the emotional spectrum.”
Port
Simon Stephens
Stage One, Leeds 2018
“I really wish I’d seen this.”
“ Detailed, heartbreaking performances,
an unhurried tempo and excellent organic direction
with an integrated set and lighting design [...]
exposing a series of duets crammed with fragments of unfulfilled love,
fleshed out with glances full of beautiful longing
and silences oozing nostalgia of what could have happened if...
”
“Nothing short of perfection.
With heart-wrenching scenes that were
almost voyeuristic at moments, it felt less
like watching a play and more like watching real-life
scenarios unfold between real people and in real time. ”
WINNER OF BEST SHOW 2018
- THE SCRIBE ARTS MAGAZINE
WINNER OF BEST ACTOR 2018
- THE SCRIBE ARTS MAGAZINE
Alec Clegg Stage, Leeds 2018
Medea
Producer
Euripides
“This was a strong production of Medea [a] moving classic with fresh passion”