A playful and fun theatre show for everyone aged +9, Precious Emily tells the stories of two inspirational weightlifters:
Precious McKenzie (4’10”) the legendary four times Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, whose incredible tale includes an escape from apartheid in South Africa, his father being killed by a crocodile and an attempt to join the circus.
Emily Campbell (5’11”) the charismatic and trailblazing Olympic Games silver medal winner whose uplifting adventure includes carnival, school sports day, a gold shirt, a difficult decision, a messy bedroom and lots and lots of hard work.
This beautiful, witty show is also about all the lessons weightlifting can teach us, even when the heavy things we have to lift are only in our minds.
This is a bi-lingual show, performed in English & BSL.
Credits
Devised and performed by:
Aaron Corbett
Kelsey Gordon
Mary-Jayne Russell de Clifford
Jack Trow
Holly Alanna Williams
Directed by:
Paul ‘Steady’ Steadman and James Yarker
Dramaturge: Craig Stephens
Extra devising input: Elexi Walker
Stage Mangement: Emily Davies
Lighting: Nigel Edwards
Illustrations: Maxene Brown
Music mostly by: Orique Johnson
Prop Weights made by: Infamous Community Arts
Costume Supervisor: Daisy Jane Dunne
Photography: Graeme Braidwood
Graphic Design: Simon Ford
Produced by: Nick Sweeting
Stan’s Cafe office: Lucy Bird, Dave Howard, Michelle Smith, Dominic Thompson
Main BSL translators:
Emma Dunlevey-Dale, Olivia Whitter & Rachael Veazey
BSL consultant: Jean St Clair
Access Supported by: DeafExplorer
Audio Description: Stuart Reid
With thanks to:
Jo Calvino, Claire Birch & everyone at Birmingham 2022 Festival
Everyone involved in the schools’ versions for their hard work and inspiration
Emily Campbell & Precious McKenzie for their help & support
Coach Cheema at Warley Weightlifting Club for kindly letting us sit in
Sammy Hayer of Sam’s Gym at Oldbury Academy who was also supportive
Brian Oliver for linking us with Precious in writing & in life
Commissioned by Birmingham 2022 Festival
Family Show
-
1pm
15 September
MAC, Birmingham -
1pm & 7pm
16 September
MAC, Birmingham -
2:30pm
17 September
MAC, Birmingham
Presented by
Schools Versions
Interview
As part of our research for Precious Emily we interviewed the 86 year old living legend that is, Mr. Precious McKenzie. His story is extraordinary. He is extraordinary. Please watch.
