Shirley Knot the Siren

Shirley Knot the Siren is a fish outta water.

Shirley Knot the Siren

Shirley Knot the Siren is a captivating cabaret musical comedy that shines a spotlight on Shirley Knot, a vivacious older mermaid navigating the complexities of an underwater society that often overlooks her. Through a delightful fusion of humor, music, and poignant storytelling, the show delves into Shirley’s quest for joy in a world that is leaving her behind.

As the curtains rise, audiences are introduced to Shirley, a character who refuses to be defined by her age or circumstances. A struggling merworld musician, Shirley hits breaking point after a life of towing the fishing line. Hers is a story of rebellion, love and self acceptance.

Shirley Knot the Siren is more than just a theatrical production—it’s a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the unbreakable spirit of older women everywhere. With its catchy tunes, witty dialogue, and message of self-love and acceptance, the show leaves audiences uplifted and inspired, reminding us all that joy knows no age limits.

After a successful preview run at Good to Go Festival, Theatre Deli and a run in the summer at Halifax Fringe Festival, Nova Scotia, Canada, the show won a ‘Hot Ticket’ award 2023.

We are now booking for a Autumn 2024 national tour. We also have limited availability in summer 2024.

PRESS/AWARDS

Awards:

Hot Ticket Award – Halifax Fringe – 2023

2rd Runner Up Prize – Alternative Cabaret Battle – 2023

For Shirley Knot the Siren:

Shirley Knot the Siren - Debbie Bridge

A little break for Shirley at a local diner.

‘This show is about a journey that starts with not fitting in, how her parents tried to get her to fit and how she ended up doing something she was good at but didn’t enjoy. It’s all linked together through songs, shows tunes, comic songs and opera. What is remarkable is Shirley’s voice. Powerful, emotive and clear. From the first notes of the first song …’ – Joe Angella – Fringe Review

‘Shirley Knot the Siren is a treat just listening to Debbie Bridge’s mastery of her chosen music. She also has a good rapport and ability to banter with her audience, which gives the show an exciting energy.’ – Amanda Campbell – TWISI

For Previous Work:

“Debbie Bridge – a sublime voice and beautifully executed role – was amazing.” – The Stage

“Bridge not only made my hair stand on end, it resonated right down to the bone as one of those absolutely perfect musical moments that you’ll never forget.” – Capital News

“Highly Recommended for Miss Givings” – Fringe Review

“An adept storyteller, Bridge is likable and ebullient, versatile and purposeful in bringing tragicomic Anita to life. If you’ve ever slept in your tap shoes, belted a Babs-Judy-Liza medley in the shower or were picked last for every sport, Miss Givings should take pride of place on your festival agenda; a perfectly pleasant way to spend an evening.”

★★★★ – Broadway Baby

Key Selling Points:

  1. Debbie has a very accessible theatre style.
  2. The show straddles different genres including theatre, stand-up comedy and musical.
  3. Musicals-inspired soundtrack.

Audience

Who to target:

  1. Audiences who enjoy contemporary theatre or performance by artists such as Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Carol Burnett, Musical makers like Weird Al Yankovic, Kirsten Wiig and fans of comedians like Lucille Ball, Tim Conway or Lisa Kudrow.
  2. People interested in women’s issues.
  3. Those interested folklore, including pirates, mermaids and merfolk and other fishy tales.

Audience development

Shirley Knot the Siren - Debbie Bridge

Taking a closer look

Our ambition is to work with venues to reach a wide range of audiences and build on-going relationships for both the venues and Debbie Bridge’s work. Our ambition is to create exciting dialogues with communities to encourage friends and families to attend performances.

For more information and to talk about this further then please contact Debbie Bridge.

Requirements

A detailed tech spec is available outlining the minimal requirements.

Space: minimum of 4m x 4m with at least 4m height.

Personnel: 3 or 2 on the road (2 performers – if no pianist then only 1, 1 production manager)

Get in: on the day of performance, 1 hr time, usually travel by public transport.

Tech: 2 x mics (only 1 if no pianist) and keyboard or sound board to play backing tracks through (see tech spec for more details)

Running time: 50 minutes approx. No interval

Age suitability: 18+ guidance

Accessibility: Step free to stage and private dressing room are preferred on the day with stage access. A wireless mic is also preferred, so I can enter from off stage. These all would be helpful to me, but not a must.

Trailers:

A short trailer can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6FDrPcEIO4

A full video of the performance can be made available upon request.

For tour booking please contact:

Debbie Bridge: debbie@debbiebridge.com / + 44 (0)7748 678564

About Debbie Bridge

Debbie Bridge is an award-winning Canadian artist living in England with a background in opera, Meinser acting and stand-up. She makes one-woman theatrical shows, live events, workshops in singing and Meisner acting, and short films mainly about scripts which catch her interest. These workshops can be used as wrap around events if needed.

Fascinated by Agatha Christie, she immerses herself into communities and becomes an active participant in their rituals as research for her work.

In the past, she has taken a year off and travelled round the world to see the Taj Mahal, got her yoga 200hr teacher certificate, walked all the highest peaks in Great Britain and got a chihuahua (her parents always called them rats).

Debbie has performed her work nationally and internationally for royalty, as a busker at Covent Garden and the London Underground and at venues including Royal Festival Hall, Savoy Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Brighton Fringe, in a Cave, Halifax Fringe Festival (Canada), Barnstable Fringe, Henley Fringe and private events (Australia & South Africa). Debbie is based in London.

www.debbiebridge.com

Shirley Knot the Siren was created and produced by Debbie Bridge, under her company name of Bridge Tea House Pop Up Theatre.

Shirley Knot the Siren

Shirley sings her siren call to the audience.