This award-nominated play from Michèle Winstanley shines a light on the untold experiences and the irrepressible resilience of women. Living on the same London street, three ordinary women with three different perspectives tell a similar story.
“A moving, powerful play that stayed with me.” – Kathy Burke
Thirty-something Linda wants what her neighbours have but her carefully laid plans are about to come unstuck. Fifty-something Philippa’s youngest child is about to leave home; as she mourns the successful career she once had, she reluctantly takes a step down. Seventy-something Olive is pursued by unresolved grief, but a wonderful find gets her out and about again.
As each woman’s story unfolds, we learn that between the rock of having children and the hard place of not having them, lies a kind of love that can make you lose your bearings. A humorous, touching and insightful story about the highs and lows of life’s greatest celebrations and darkest tragedies.
“Broken Water is really fantastic. I hope no one noticed that my eyes were watering.” – Martin Clunes OBE
Included as part of Arcola’s Playwrought Festival, BROKEN WATER was shortlisted for the Verity Bargate Award, BBC Writer’s Room, and the Nick Darke Award. Now it premieres in a powerful new production from director Nicola Samer.
Content Warnings: Some coarse language, adult themes, references to child bereavement, miscarriage and descriptions of sexual violence.
★★★★ “URGENTLY NECESSARY...IT PUTS WOMEN CENTRE-STAGE AND ALLOWS THEM TO BREAK OPEN FREELY AND SAFELY” – Broadway World
★★★★ “EMINENTLY WATCHABLE” – A Young(ish) Perspective
“FUNNY, AFFECTIONATE AND VIVIDLY MOVING” – The Stage
“EVERYTHING IN THIS PRODUCTION IS A BEAUTIFULLY JUDGED SURPRISE” – The Spectator
“WELL-WRITTEN, HUMOROUS AND MOVING” – Everything Theatre
“IT FELT AS IF THIS PLAY WAS SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO ME” – British Theatre Guide
