TheArchive Theatre Collective present 'Armed Robbery and Suicidal Intent' at Edinburgh Fringe

A play that asks the question of what happens when we die... no, none of that spiritual stuff, that's the oldest question in the book. Pearly gates or no pearly gates you still leave behind an entire human being's worth of stuff. Buy tickets here.

Agnes has planned her suicide perfectly. She packed all her things into labelled boxes, left instructions on how to close a bank account and even unceremoniously cut off her hair to donate to make wigs for sick kids. Seriously and selflessly she has planned it all to a T. But while awaiting her oblivion a burglar enters her house. Manni is 19 cash strapped and desperate, trying to appease her family who wish they were part of the cosy middle-class life Agnes has... or had. After all, What's scarier than a home intruder? A home intruder's big sister.

This play asks the question of what happens when we die... no, none of that spiritual stuff, that’s the oldest question in the book. Pearly gates or no pearly gates you still leave behind an entire human being's worth of stuff.

THE WRITER
Hosanna Starkey
(she/her) is a playwright and actress originally from Gloucester, currently based in the North West. Her first play 'Armed Robbery and Suicidal Intent' was performed to a sell-out audience at the Black E theatre. Seeking humour in dark topics is becoming something of a speciality.
Having taught youth theatre classes since she was 17, Hosanna values seeing young people engage with the arts and she promotes the fact that drama school can be accessible to all.

CREATIVE TEAM
Director – Samuel George-Thomas
Samuel (He/Him) has a passion for live performance in all its forms, with a love for thought-provoking theatre that reflects the issues we face in today's society, but is always up for a laugh too! Sam is also a director who strives to make theatre that combines surrealism and naturalism, reimagined theatre that attracts even non-theatre goers to immerse themselves in a unique experience.

Director - Ava Benkova
Ava (she/her) is a queer actor and director from Slovakia, currently based in Liverpool. She has lived there for a majority of her life until she moved to California at the age of 16 to study acting at the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Thanks to a lot of travelling, she was able to learn how to speak 4 languages fluently. Ava's favourite way of exploring characters is through movement and physical theatre.

PREVIOUS PRODUCTION
As well as the directing of the piece, the team were also responsible for the costume design, set design, lighting and sound design of the piece, allowing for a full 360 understanding of the piece and how it made its way from page to stage.

THE CAST
Agnus - Bethany Lawton
Bethany (she/her) is an actor and director from the West Midlands, Solihull, currently based in Liverpool. Her acting passion has been implemented in her life since the age of 4 whether it be tap dancing, singing musical theatre or writing spoken words.
Beth has a knack for naturalism and experimenting with tough conversations through the art. She loves to take on the challenging bold and brave characters both through film and stage.

Manni - Charie An Upton
Charlie Ann (she/her) is originally from Birmingham, currently based in Liverpool.
Charlie Ann has been acting since childhood and has a strong connection with exploring human connection in theatre.
When Charlie Ann isn't acting, you'll find her locked up (and solving puzzles to complete the escape rooms she loves) or crafting.

Dixie - Inés Sawday
Inés (she/her) is a bilingual actor & writer from East Sussex & Asturias, Spain with bases in Liverpool, London and Barcelona. She has previously trained at the Oxford School of Drama prior to LIPA on the foundation course. Alongside acting, Inés loves to write plays and has recently had her writing debut for an original 'I Always Cry On My Birthday' where she loves to explore feminism and the empowering of women in her work.
Inés has been very thankful to have lived in a few places over her time such as Dubai and Barcelona where she has had the pleasure to make so many connections and bases.
In her spare time she loves re-watching Bridesmaids and Coraline at least once a week (and sometimes back to back). When Inés is not quoting Bridesmaids she is actively practising yoga (specifically HOT yoga) where she can escape reality and focus on the mind and body

PREVIOUS PRODUCTION
This piece was previously performed in 'The Black-E theatre' in Liverpool in a double bill event of new theatre in May of 2023.
This event, hosted by TheArchive saw over 200 audience members allowing us to workshop this piece and gain audience feedback for the work we feel so passionate about.

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
The double bill of new theatre this piece debuted at, saw over 200 audience members.
audience where invited to fill out feedback cards on their way out and here is what we discovered.

"Absolutely hilarious, crying with laughter!!!"

"The most engaged I have been in a theatre for a long time"

"Laughed, cried and everything in between"

"The end is soul-crushingly sad"

‘I never wanted it to end"

"I found myself so engaged in each and every charters performance"

"I left feeling reinvigorated and wanting to see more theatre "

"Such a unique feeling"

WHO ARE WE:
TheArchive is a theatre company that focuses on bringing fresh new theatre to new audiences.

TheArchive wants to make accessible, engaging and unique theatre that will change the public perception of theatre and what it can be.

TheArchive has one main goal, to make theatre the most engaged with art form on the planet.

Website I Instagram I X I Buy Tickets