Theatre / Florence Espeut-Nickless
Florence Espeut-Nickless brings her hit solo play ‘DESTINY’ to The Wardrobe Theatre
Florence Espeut-Nickless is an award-winning writer and actor whose work for stage and screen amplifies the experience of working-class communities, both by telling their stories and providing opportunities to increase equitable access to the arts.
In September 2024, her debut play DESTINY is coming home to the south west, following shows over recent years in Bristol, London, the Edinburgh Fringe, around the UK and a run in Denmark.
Written as a semi-autobiographical monologue, it tells the story of Destiny, a girl growing up in rural poverty in Wiltshire with aspirations to break out of her circumstances, just as Espeut-Nickless did herself.
is needed now More than ever
Florence Espeut-Nickless in DESTINY
“I grew up on a council estate in Chippenham in the noughties,” she explains.
“DESTINY is inspired by mine and my mate’s experiences in that place and time, by the challenges we faced, the systems we had to fight against, the dreams we lost, and the ones we desperately held onto.
“It’s ultimately a celebration of working-class resilience, drive and determination, of fighting against our destiny and reaching for the mf stars.”
In the aftermath of a big night out gone awry, the play follows Destiny as she navigates how to love, and be loved in an environment threatened by sexual abuse and misuse of power. Can she fight hard enough to make it as an MTV Base backing dancer?
Directed by Wardrobe Ensemble founder member, Jesse Jones, DESTINY is had dramaturgical support from Bristol-based theatre-making pioneer, Tim Crouch, with funding from Arts Council England and widespread backing from organisations including Tobacco Factory Theatres, Strike a Light and Bristol Old Vic’s artist development programme, FERMENT.
A TV adaptation is currently in the works.
Destiny is at The Wardrobe Theatre on September 10-14 at 7.30pm Tickets are available at www.thewardrobetheatre.com. Follow @florenceespeutnickless for updates.
All photos: Paul Blakemore
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