FRESH KNICKERS
(and a Gin & Tonic)

At 50, Cheryl thought life might slow down. What she didn’t expect was the rollercoaster of Perimenopause - a baffling barrage of symptoms no one warned her about. As she and her lifelong friend Sandra navigate the ups, downs, fun and downright weird moments of midlife, their husbands try and make sense of it all from the safe haven of the local pub.

This empowering, and side-splitting musical takes us on a journey of friendship, change and self-discovery. Along the way, Cheryl encounters a parade of eccentric characters, from nosy waiters, to spa therapists with more sass than skill - but none as unexpected as the rappin’ lifestyle guru Fuzzy B (Davina McCall was, regrettably, unavailable)

With a cheeky nod to Cinderella and a very messy spa day that leaves more questions than answers, FRESH KNICKERS (and a Gin & Tonic) asks: will Cheryl make it to the ball, or will her hot flashes get there first?

So, hold onto your knickers and have the ice cubes ready - you’re going to need a G&T after this show!

Tour Details

Book for any of our Free Community Events below to receive 10% off FRESH KNICKERS Tickets at your chosen venue

“Hints of Victoria Wood"

Colchester Fringe

(Dr Paul Davies)

"You nailed all my symptoms and I loved the men down the pub scene."

Audience Member

Colchester Fringe

(Gray Adams-Hall)

"Highly Comedic"

*****

"The fantastic cast brought a relevant topic to life in a lighthearted and funny way"

"Fun. Affirmative. Go-see"

Audience Members

About fresh knickers...

Creator Heather Davis was inspired to write this show as she saw a gap - not just in theatre, but in society’s understanding of what it really means to go through this transition. The physical and emotional changes, the confusion, the invisibility, the humour - and most importantly the need for support and solidarity.

This play is for everyone who’s ever felt blindsided by their own body, and for the friends and family members who go through it right alongside them. Through music and comedy FRESH KNICKERS (and a Gin & Tonic) invites audiences to laugh, cry and see themselves in Cheryl’s journey. Because, if life’s going to throw us hormonal chaos, the least we can do is turn it into a musical.

We’re thrilled to be ACE Funded and will be offering an outreach programme which includes creative workshops in the community, to educate and give voice to the effects of menopause. Make sure you check our event programme to attend workshops.

Lucia Fox

Elliott McMillan

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Sofia Ferreira

Sara Jane Derrick

Starring

Starring Sara Jane Derrick as Cheryl who most recently appeared in Liberty Hall and Blossome both at The Mercury Studio Theatre, Lucia Fox who most recently played Elmire in Tartuffe at The Headgate Theatre and who's film credits include Intervention and Prowler on Amazon Prime. Also starring Elliott McMillan who’s credits include The Peripheral Amazon Studios and Fighting with My Family Film 4.

Understudied by Sofia Ferreira who will perform the role of Cheryl at The Gallery Theatre Ipswich on the 19th of September.

Written and Directed by Heather Davis

Heather is an emerging writer and director living in Maldon, Essex. She was a mentored Mercury Theatre Director in 2023/4 and is a current Mercury Creative. She enjoys producing theatre which has a social, political or educational message. Her recent production of Tartuffe at The Headgate Theatre was highly acclaimed with NETG reviewer stating, ‘The whole thing fizzed with fun, moved with pace and surprised at every turn.’

Composed by Georgina St George

Georgina is a composer and lyricist whose work spans theatre, film, television, radio and advertising.

Her credits include Fresh Knickers and a Gin & Tonic, The Last Empress (Hammersmith Apollo), and Eight to the Bar (produced in NYC’s East Village), as well as the films I’m with Lucy starring Monica Potter and Playground of Dreams (Golden Gate Films). Her orchestral catalogue is featured in over 100 TV shows worldwide, and her music has been used in campaigns for Disney Jewelry, Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel, KPMG Women’s Leadership, Lynx, and many more.