RUCKUS

Ruckus is an award-winning, compelling one-woman thriller which explores the suppression and destruction caused by coercive control.

The effect of being told you’re loved is very powerful. But what happens when that love becomes an invisible threat? Lou is a 28-year-old primary school teacher who’s wholly aware the audience are watching her. She wants to show them exact moments in her relationship, breaking down the progression of coercion as Lou journeys from freedom to being trapped.

Coercive control is an issue not widely recognised and yet its side effects kill up to three women every week in the UK. Each moment of the play has been inspired by real women and real stories.

Ruckus gained critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022, and during the London transfer to Southwark Playhouse. Ruckus received a number of 4 & 5 star reviews, a WhatsOnStage nomination for Best Off-West End Production, first finalist for the Popcorn New Writing Award which was partnered with the BBC Writersroom, an OFFIE nomination for Lead Performance in a Play, shortlisted for the Filipa Braganca Award and won a Lustrum Award for “unforgettable performance and new writing”.

Videos

Content to Consider

Ruckus contains strong themes which some people may find difficult. This includes scenes of coercive control, domestic violence, economic abuse, suicidal ideation, sexual nature, violence and implied animal cruelty. The creators of Ruckus have created a self-care guide for audiences. To access this, please click here.

Studio Event

Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it’s your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.