You've Gone Quiet

Cerys Duffy’s play You’ve Gone Quiet is a remarkable piece of original theatre that holds you from its opening moment and carries you on a wave of emotions and understanding. With extraordinary sensitivity, honesty, and courage Duffy’s writing opens a window into the psyche of Beth a trans woman having to navigate today’s world which is filled with both visible and invisible barriers. The result is an unsettling, deeply moving and ultimately human story that lingers long after the final blackout.

The writing is exceptional: sharp compassionate and unflinchingly truthful. Duffy avoids easy answers, instead inviting the audience to experience Beth’s fears, frustrations, and resilience from her perspective. She is a struggling journalist who agrees to help her best friend get pregnant. But, when she decides to write about this in a news article, that article is misinterpreted by the media. The ensuing fallout threatening to destroy her and those she holds dear. At times heartbreaking and at others darkly funny, the script balances emotional intensity with genuine warmth and insight.

The production is elevated by a superb cast delivering performances of astonishing power and authenticity. So much so that it would be wrong to single any one of them out. This is very much an ensemble piece where every scene builds on the last, and Andy Macleod’s direction is super intelligent and brings such variety of pace and intensity. Creating moments of perfection in this highly important piece of theatre.

At Jack Studio Theatre before going on a short tour, You’ve Gone Quiet demonstrates the power of theatre to open up discussion on important subjects, whilst fostering empathy and understanding. If offers audiences a rare and often horrifying glimpse into the challenges that trans people face to exist truthfully, while never losing sight of the humanity and strength required to do just that.

This compelling, thought-provoking and beautifully crafted production from Brighton based Open Handed Theatre is essential viewing and unquestionably a five-star evening.


Photo credit: Paul Macauley