A new play about the challenges of living with the chronic illness ME will have its first performance this May.
YAWN! will tell the story of a young woman who falls ill with the long-term health condition and struggles to get help with a diagnosis.
It has been written by actor and ME sufferer Hollie Christian-Brookes, and is inspired by her own experiences over the last two years.
Hollie says: “ME has completely changed my life. I was a fit and healthy 29-year-old when I first became seriously unwell. Almost overnight everything came to a halt and it was an incredibly difficult time. I couldn’t work, see friends, or leave the house much. I felt extremely lost and alone.
“Getting a diagnosis and treatment was difficult, and though I got the help I needed eventually, I felt hugely let down by the state and our medical system. One of the hardest things has been facing the stigma associated with having a hidden disability, especially the disbelief in my condition from members of the public and, sometimes, medical professionals.
“YAWN shines a light on these challenges. By dramatising the farcical nature of my own experiences, I hope the play will raise greater awareness of ME and, more generally, spotlight how hard living with an invisible illness can be.”
The first performance will be on Tuesday, 27th May at Cheltenham Playhouse – part of the Cheltenham Fringe Festival, a week-long programme of theatre showcasing both new and existing artists.
Hollie will play the lead role ‘Young Woman’, alongside actor Christopher Irvine as ‘Brainworm’.
Also in the cast is chronic illness TikTok influencer Oliver George as the ‘Voice of ME’, a narrator who communicates the various hidden symptoms felt by the main character as a way for audiences to understand what someone with the condition can experience in any one moment, while completely unseen to anyone else.
Photos show lead actor Hollie, Tik Tok influencer Oliver George and Hollie alongside ‘Brainworm' Christopher Irvine
Hollie says: “It’s important to me that I can provide opportunities for fellow actors with hidden disabilities to do what they love. I started following Oliver early into my diagnosis journey and his funny, honest videos made me feel connected at a time when I felt so isolated. I knew I had to get him on board.”
Oliver says: “Living with a chronic illness can be isolating, but this play is a reminder that we’re not alone. When I first read the script, it was clear to me that I had to be a part of this. Hollie’s writing will relate to so many people feeling lost right now. This is what theatre is all about.”
The play will raise money for the ME Association with a cash collection on the door. The charity supports thousands of people across the country who have ME/CFS, Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome, and Long Covid by funding research, lobbying government, and providing essential information to help with day-to-day living.
Hollie adds: “This is hopefully just the beginning for YAWN. I’d like to secure funding for touring performances across UK communities to foster a greater understanding of the condition. I’m also hoping to expand the story to include more experiences from other ME sufferers alongside my own to ensure as many people as possible are represented.
“In many ways I’m lucky. I still get days where my symptoms are particularly bad and stop me in my tracks, but through careful lifestyle management I’m able to be active through my work. Others aren’t so fortunate.
“Having ME is obviously not what I wanted, but it has made me value life in a way I never did before. It gave me the nudge I needed to turn my life around, follow my dreams, and make the most of every day.”
The performance will take place at 5pm on 27th May. Tickets cost £8 full price and £5 concessions. They can be purchased directly from the theatre’s website: https://cheltplayhouse.org.uk/CheltPlayhouse.dll/WhatsOn?f=3921617
Follow yawn_play on Instagram for more information.