Following a critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, award-winning theatre maker Victoria Melody brings her latest show Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak to audiences across the UK this autumn.
Directed by political comedian and director Mark Thomas, the production has been praised for its humour, warmth and radical spirit. The Guardian called it “a joyful testament,” while The Stage hailed it as “a hymn to community and solidarity.”
Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak began as Victoria’s personal journey through divorce, joining a historical re-enactment group. That journey led her to uncover the legacy of the 17th-century Diggers—landless radicals who fought for justice and equality.
Through storytelling, comedy and her trademark immersive style, Victoria draws a line between past and present, spotlighting grassroots activism in food justice, green spaces and community resilience.
“This show has been made with pure love and built with the community at every stage, from the knitted vegetables to the sounds collected in the show,” said Victoria Melody. “People from Whitehawk have given their stories, feedback and challenged me all the way through. Through this production, I wanted to show the great work people here are doing to keep each other afloat. These are ordinary heroes doing extraordinary things.”
The show was shortlisted for the 2025 Popcorn Award and features contributions from young people in sound design and local knitting groups who helped craft the set and props. Community members also participated in read-throughs and development workshops.
Commissioned by Brighton Dome, the tour kicks off at Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange on 4 October and continues through Leeds, Reading, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Nottingham and Norwich.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
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