Persephone, an Essex girl from a concrete town, has to navigate her journey into womanhood with great difficulty. Her mother is distant and unreliable, her unstable emotions ruling the family home. The girls at school are hard and mean and set out to make Persephone miserable. Her body is changing, growing more wild and unruly, the hair on her body unable to be tamed. And a burning sense of desire hums through her in a way she doesnt fully understand. When the figure from her dreams materialises and asks her to join them in the Underworld, she takes the opportunity to escape her life above. But whilst her sexuality blossoms and she learns to harness her powers, her mothers grief shatters everything around her and Persephone must find forgiveness to rebuild a burning bridge. Persephone must be strong enough to embrace her mothers pain, a womans pain, and reconfigure a life the world above tried to crush into something small and uncomplaining.

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now