Chatterbox

Theatre (storytelling)

  • Pleasance Courtyard - The Green
  • 16:55
  • Aug 25
  • 1 hour
  • Suitability: 8+
  • Country: United Kingdom - Scotland
  • Group: Lubna Kerr
  • Warnings and additional info: This show will contain distressing or potentially triggering themes about the mental health of a child affected by bullying and discrimination.
  • Accessibility:
    Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    Signed Performance
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 2 years

Description

Chatterbox, a play about a Pakistani girl at primary school in 1970s Glasgow. Lubna was labelled "stupid" because she couldn't speak English – by people who couldn't speak Urdu. This humorous and touching semi-autobiographical one-woman show looks at the impact of the labels we are given as children and how they persist into adulthood. What labels were you given? How did they affect you? Do they still make you anxious? Where did you find safety when neds chased you down the street? The show is a prequel to actor, writer, comedian and playwright Lubna Kerr's four-star Fringe-hit Tickbox.

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General venue access

  • Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    Signed Performance
  • Accessible entry: Access via The Green area. Steep fixed ramp at entrance. All seating moveable. Performance space is on Ground Floor with no steps.
  • Wheelchair access type: Permanent Ramp

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


Signed performances

  • Dates: 15 August
  • Interpreter: Provided by Deaf Action - Stage Left
  • Type: BSL
  • Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team to book your tickets and request any specific seating requests in relation to the location of the interpeter.

Watch the BSL video


How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Libby McGugan 23 days ago

Moving, funny, poignant, timely, ballsy…. Lubna’s show packs a punch to the fallout of colonialism that is long overdue. She is a force of nature and an inspiration of strength and determination. A must see.

Danielle Farrow 27 days ago

A great mix of humour, toughness and poignancy, this show finds amusing and gentle ways to hit hard. It also shows Lubna Kerr's power: she is a fierce presence, a great chatterbox storyteller, an amusing entertainer and someone whose experience and understanding shines throughout. Sometimes I could totally relate and other times I was simply in shock at what she has - and continues - to experience, but always I was fascinated and wanted more.

Wil Taylor 27 days ago

Lubna follows up the success of Tickbox with this new show, which again is a platform for her style of storytelling which is tender one moment and tough the next. Characters from her past are remembered through expressive performances, and the recollections of racist bullying make for uncomfortable listening.
Recent news events have (sadly) made this story even more relevant. But we also hear how Lubna came through and, despite those who would devalue her, has achieved many great things (with more to come). This is a story of hope against the odds, and if you haven't seen it yet book a ticket while you have a chance.

Patricia Aitchison 29 days ago

Lubna brought the stand out characters of her early years to life in wonderful storytelling with a bit of humour amongst the thought provoking harder subject matters of bullying and labelling to name but a few. A must see show that gets you thinking about your own experiences of childhood.

Andrew Mann 30 days ago

This show is a sensation. Lubna's honesty, storytelling ability and brilliance shines in this unique one-woman-show. Go see her
in Chatterbox at The Pleasance.

Kierna Corr 32 days ago

Oh my, I was not prepared to be so emotional during this piece. As a teacher of young children I was so angry at how the young Lubna had been treated by those supposed to be helping & encouraging her. Thank goodness her parents were so supportive. A real joy to watch & great comedic timing too.

Suzanne Ralston 36 days ago

Poignant, funny, thought provoking, presented with style.
Go see!

Julie Phillips 37 days ago

As ex teachers we could relate to this so well. Moving and well told.

Charlotte Walker 37 days ago

This piece is gorgeous. It's so personal it's painful. It's also very funny. Totally recommended.

Liz Carrie 44 days ago

The story of Lubna’s primary school days in Glasgow is very moving, funny and thought provoking. Lubna’s writing and acting is full of acute observation that exposes the casual racism of late 60s/early 70s Scotland. It also highlights the power of a loving, supportive family. This is a great success story.

Douglas 45 days ago

Lubna brings to life her experience of growing up as an immigrant Pakistani girl in Glasgow, it is funny, but also difficult to hear how racism impacted her and her family, a heart warming but also heart breaking true story brought to life so beautifully. A must see show.

Deborah Cannon 46 days ago

Beautiful, hilarious, heart-breaking and heart-warming, and brilliantly performed. What a fantastic show!

STEPHEN DAVIS 46 days ago

Chatterbox is pure delight. With pawky humour and occasional pathos, Lubna Kerr brilliantly evokes the voice of her younger self, struggling to deal with racism and discrimination in the alien world of mid-twentieth-century Glasgow. The adult Lubna analyses and contextualises her childhood experiences, showing us that, despite the bullying of other children and the stigmatisation of teachers who should know better, a determined child can nevertheless succeed. For anyone who has been bullied or felt different, this show will strike a chord, while its positive message will send you home both strengthened and optimistic.


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

The Quinntessential Review (4/5 stars) 30 days ago

This is a fine show with a timely message during these dark days of intolerance and racial prejudice. Don’t, however, go simply for the message, go for a winning performance, a fair few laughs, and a delicious piece of ginger cake.

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All Edinburgh Theatre (4/5 stars) 31 days ago

"an enjoyable performance, encouraging the audience to consider issues that were rife in the 1970s – racism, religious intolerance and inappropriate labelling of people – and to reflect on how much progress we have made."

Read the full review

Brig News (4/5 stars) 40 days ago

Stuffed full with fascinating details about the Pakistani-Scottish experience, Kerr excels at telling her story and making us feel truly a part of her world.

Read the full review

Broadway Baby (4/5 stars) 41 days ago

This is a piece as timely as it is charming

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.