'fractured story of youthful disconnection... a brilliant new piece of theatre'
(British Theatre Guide)
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'hilariously captivating... a gentle smash around the face.'
(FringeReview)
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'beautifully crafted narrative... captivating tale.'
(Edinburgh Festivals Magazine)
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'a sharp piece of writing... brilliant twists and turns.'
(EdFringesider)
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Never Get to Heaven in an Empty Shell is a modern exploration of grief, mortality and the process of letting go. After an unlikely encounter with a ghost at Angel Tube Station, Claud is thrown into limbo, with nothing but her treasured memories to keep her company. And of course, her new ghost friend Ruth.
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Still finding her feet 10 years after her dad died, will Claud's rendezvous with the dead persuade her to start living again?
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The Stagey Place 'Best Solo Performance' Award Nominee
​With thanks to:
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Seven Dials Playhouse for invaluable support, Katie Pesskin for dramaturgical expertise, Lulu Bradshaw and Jade Newman-Turner for being photographers extraordinaire, Gary McIlhagga for filming our show, Callum Cronin for constant support and encouragement both professional and personal, Marta Kostera and Eleni Hulme for fixing our sewing mistakes and Gill, Michael and Emma Fielding, for living through it with me.
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For Martin, wherever he is now.
Claudia Fielding - Writer and Performer
Claudia (she/they) is a writer, actor and producer living in London. Her work as a writer has been seen at The Arcola, The Other Palace, The Hackney Den, Etcetera Theatre, The Old Red Lion and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Never Get to Heaven in an Empty Shell is her debut solo show, and she is thrilled to be taking up a residency at The Pleasance for the entire run of Edinburgh Fringe 2024. She is currently seeking representation as both a writer and actor.
Social handle - _claud_creates
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Anna Rastelli - Director and Composer
Anna (she/her) is a director, writer and composer. She assistant directed an adaptation of Electra and co-founded and programmed SU Fest both at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama - and assistant directed Different Owners at Sunrise at The Roundhouse with Zoo Co. Her other directing work has been seen at The Courtyard Theatre, Omnibus Theatre and online with Act II Festival. Her work as a writer has been seen at Theatre 503, The Cavendish Arms and The Etcetera Theatre.
Social handle - annarastelli8
Emma Fisher - Producer
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Emma Fisher (she/her) is a creative producer, director, actor and founding member of The Living Theatre, an outdoor arts organisation. She specialises in outdoor events and and immersive theatre and is always focused on audience experience. She has produced tours, larger scale productions and immersive performances.
Social handle - emma__fisher__
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