Chunky Jewellery brings a poignant true story of sisterhood and solidarity to Lowry

A hit new show that blends theatre, dance, comedy and music brings a raw and honest account of sisterhood and solidarity to Lowry this month.

Chunky Jewellery tells the story of two single mothers, somewhere in the middle of it all. Co-created by performers Jude Williams and Natasha Gilmore, the autobiographical performance sees the pair share intimate, private chapters of their lives in raw accounts of grief, resilience, courage and survival, navigating life, death, and everything in-between.

Directed and co-created by Olivier Award-nominated Ben Duke (Artistic Director of Lost Dog Dance, Juliet & Romeo, Paradise Lost) and produced by award-winning Scottish dance company Barrowland Ballet (Wee Man, The Gift), the poignant and life-affirming story is told through a potent patchwork of dance, theatre and self-penned and borrowed songs, including a heart-warming rendition of And Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals, accompanied by a toy Xylophone.

Speaking about the show, Williams said: “Our lives authored Chunky Jewellery, and we look forward to sharing and bearing the work again at The Lowry. The work is intimate and autobiographical, with stories that overlap birth, grief and death. It explores the sustained thread of friendship, during achingly, wild, and beautiful heartbreaking times. It’s an alternative love story about a chosen family. And the incredible fierce love of female friendship.”

Barrowland Ballet’s Artistic Director Natasha Gilmore added: “It’s exciting that we are able to bring Chunky Jewellery to The Lowry after bringing our video installation work Family Portrait to Salford in 2022. We loved the warm reception we received in Manchester and Salford. I’m delighted to be returning and feel sure this work, with its brutally honest comedy will resonate with audiences.”

Barrowland Ballet’s Chunky Jewellery comes to Lowry for two performances (3pm & 7pm) on Sat 26 Sep. Tickets are available now, get £5 off your booking when using the button below. 

Image credit: Brian Hartley