'Bluebeard' with Cat Weatherill, at The Spark Studio

Bluebeard  - A Journey into Obsession , with Cat Weatherill, at The Spark Studio      

Inspired by Perrault’s classic gothic horror story, Cat’s Bluebeard is magnificently dark, erotic and disturbing. But it’s also fiercely life affirming – a celebration of the love of sisters and the resilience of women.

This is a defiantly female version of the tale, in which the sister and mother of the bride, Eva, are given far greater prominence. Eva also is awarded infinitely more emotional complexity than usual, as she explosively transforms from a victim into a survivor who will not ‘rake through the ashes for half burned hopes.’

Bluebeard premiered at Beyond the Border International Storytelling Festival 2012, where it received a standing ovation.  It was also shortlisted for Performance of the Year in the British Awards for Storytelling Excellence 2012.

Reviews:
‘Cat Weatherill’s Bluebeard is dark, funny, powerful, erotic, exceptional and emotionally devastating. An unforgettable Gothic essay of obsession and betrayal performed by a very remarkable woman. If this comes to a venue near you, go see it. I promise it will be an experience never to be forgotten.’ Parnassus magazine

 ‘Totally captivating… stunning. Cat leads audiences into those deep places where nothing is spared, and dark and light are laid bare. Inspirational.’ Dr Pauline Mottram, Manchester Metropolitan University

 ‘In terms of composition and performance, the finest spectacle at Beyond the Border 2012’  Tim Ralphs

Audience Comments:
 ‘Transformative. I’d expected shock horror, but not the journey into my own subconscious you so masterfully led.’
 ‘Dark, awesome, truthful and beautiful. I have seen and heard so many wonderful storytellers, but your story opened another, stranger, more terrifying window. Thank you so much.’
‘An incredibly haunting tale, told with such energy. I studied Bluebeard at university, and this has completely transformed my feelings and thoughts of the tale.’
 ‘Highly unusual, atmospheric and wonderfully spooky.’
 ‘Amazing. Gave me chills – in a good way.’
 ‘An extraordinary performance… The full horror of it. Time flew.’