Play Nicely Theatre will tour There is a Light and a Whistle for Attracting Attention across the UK this summer, culminating in a London run at The Hen & Chickens Theatre Bar.
Written by and starring Henri Merriam, and directed by Sophia Capasso, the production will visit Norwich, Buxton, Manchester and London between 17 July and 13 September 2026, with a press night on 8 September.
The play uses the breakdown of a marriage to examine romantic ideals and societal pressures, following one woman as she reflects on her relationship from first love through to the realisation of a coercive dynamic.
Blending humour with heartbreak, the piece explores self-blame, intimacy, and the gradual shift from fantasy to reality, offering a candid look at the pressures that shape relationships, particularly for women.
The production supports Women for Women International, a charity helping women survivors of war and conflict rebuild their lives.
Writer and performer Henri Merriam said, “I have always loved stories, that’s why I became an actor. When I wrote this play, I was trying to make sense of a time in my life when I couldn’t control the narrative of what was happening around me. And I realised the stories I’d always loved about women, and the way we move through the world, hadn’t served us. They’d shaped an idea of what a marriage should be, and what I should be inside one, so I was constantly at odds with who I actually was.’’
The production has already received critical acclaim, with Broadway Baby calling it “★★★★★ Nothing less than a triumph.” and Voice Magazine describing it as “Beautifully written and performed… humour and heartbreak are balanced with quiet devastation.”
Play Nicely Theatre, founded by Merriam in 2019, has built a reputation for intimate, text-led productions focusing on character-driven storytelling.
There is a Light and a Whistle for Attracting Attention is directed by Sophia Capasso, with design by Shahaf Beer and sound design by Frazer Merrick, and produced by Marcello Pautasso.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
