New show at Unity Theatre tackles childlessness and infertility

A tragicomic gig theatre show which weaves authentic stories to explore darkness and light in the emotionally complex world of fertility journeys.

As one of the more than 3.5 million people in the UK experiencing infertility, Kaya (and her husband) compiled funny and dark anecdotes for new show Scrambled Eggs as a way to process the experience. Sharing her story led to a profound connection with audiences and began a dialogue around infertility and childlessness. This work in progress at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre on 28th September explores involuntary and chosen childlessness, the impact of social pressure, and the pursuit of leaving a legacy. Scrambled Eggs uses live music, storytelling, physical theatre, humour, and visuals to explore joy, loss, isolation, and the perspective gained on the journey from grief to acceptance.

Kaya is the lead artist on the show, which is directed by Joanne Tremarco and produced by Sonia Chapman. The performance will also feature guest artists Beija Flo and Jazamin Sinclair.

Scrambled Eggs is about resilience and courage, playing the cards you are dealt, and forging your own path through life. This show will challenge fertility shame and stigma, and raise awareness, while still offering a good night out.

The 60 minute performance will be followed by a discussion and holding space for sharing, feedback and questions with the Scrambled Eggs team.

Originally conceived as a 10-minute stand-up comedy “lecture ” for The Secret Circus Christmas cabaret in 2021, Scrambled Eggs is in the process of growing into a full-length autobiographical theatre piece weaving in other people’s stories of childlessness and motherhood – chosen and involuntary.

Molly Dunlea, The Secret Circus host, said: 

“Making this show happen will be monumental to those trying to conceive naturally and/or with IVF. Whether you’re at the start of your journey, ending it, thinking ahead or reflecting, this show is of great importance. Having seen the short scratch version, the open honestly mixed with art and humour is priceless and of great, great importance. A journey within an journey – incredible. Can’t wait to see a full show developed.”

Eve Howlett. Director of The Secret Circus, said:

 “It was a privilege for Kaya to tell her story on the circus stage sharing some of her story for the first time. It was heartfelt, emotional but also comedic. The feedback from the audience was that it touched those who were going through similar paths in their life.”

Director Joanne Tremarco, who has 12 years experience working with taboo content in a way that is both raucous and sensitive – and who has also experienced the stigma of infertility herself – is thrilled to be working with Kaya to stage this work in progress. 

She said:

“Kaya’s voice, humour and message are so powerful, I can’t wait to get into the theatre and start devising physically together. I will be making a cameo performance myself.” 

Despite being turned down for Arts Council England funding three times – ironically echoing their three unsuccessful IVF attempts – the creators are determined to bring this show to life. To support the production, they have launched a crowdfunding campaign and are moving forward with a scaled-down, scratch/work-in-progress performance.

Kaya herself said: 

“I have always used humour and songwriting to cope with challenges in life. We decided to go ahead and produce the show anyway because we have spent over a year developing the idea, and now it feels like the story needs to be told. The feedback from the scratch performance was overwhelmingly positive, and I can’t wait to share this with a wider audience. I was not aware how common fertility issues are until I opened up, and I am passionate about reducing stigma around it.”

The support, whether through ticket purchases or crowdfunding donations, will help cover production costs, including venue hire and the contributions to special guests and talented collaborators.

Sonia Chapman joined as producer for the show after seeing the monologue and has been key in driving the project forward; recruiting experienced director and artist Joanne Tremarco to the team.

Sonia said:

“Scrambled Eggs is more than just a performance; it’s a conversation about resilience, courage, and the emotional landscape of fertility journeys. Join us for a night of laughter, reflection, and connection.”

Scrambled Eggs: Work In Progress heads to the Unity Theatre in Liverpool on Saturday 28th September 2024. The Unity Theatre is a wheelchair accessible venue.

Please note that the performance will contain reference to infertility, pregnancy loss and mental health.

Find more information about Scrambled Eggs at Unity Theatre here.

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