23.10.26 & 24.10.26 – Menopaus’ull ‘Things I wish I’d bloody known’ Play

A powerful new theatre production inspired by the real-life experiences of women in Hull is set to bring honesty, humour and much‑needed conversations about menopause to the stage this October. ‘Things I Wish I’d Bloody Known’ marks the culmination of a two-year collaboration between the University of Hull and local charity Neighbourhood Network and their Menopaus’ull Support Network project, exploring women’s lived experiences of menopause through research, creativity and community engagement.

Written by S. J. Dickenson and directed by Dr Lucy Fielding, the play tells the story of “The Girls” – a close-knit group of women who grew up together on a Hull estate and have always supported one another through life’s ups and downs. Years later, as careers, relationships and family life have taken them in different directions, each woman begins to feel that something is changing. They are losing a part of themselves and struggling to understand why. As they navigate the challenges of menopause, they realise that perhaps the one thing they need most is each other.

The production explores friendship, identity, relationships, ageing and the often confusing and isolating experience of menopause, while highlighting the importance of talking openly about what is happening to our bodies and minds. As Tracey puts it in the play: “Maybe different weird for each of us but still really weird. And you know what? We – the girls – should be talking about it. Loudly!”

A research partnership brought to life on stage- The play has been created from the real stories shared by women involved with the Menopaus’ull Support Network, which provides connection, creativity and conversation for women navigating menopause and midlife challenges. Through pottery, art classes, creative writing, alpaca walking and other creative workshops, women were able to express themselves openly and honestly – offering vital insight into their experiences, health journeys and identities.

These sessions became a key site for research. Led by Dr Lucy Fielding from the University of Hull, the project was funded by The Ideas Fund, supported by the Wellcome Trust and delivered by the British Science Association. Dr Fielding gathered deeply personal testimonies from participants, which were then developed with playwright Sarah Jane Dickenson into a script that reflects both the struggles and triumphs of menopause. The play reframes menopause not as an ending, but as a beginning – a second act full of rediscovery, strength and solidarity.

Impact beyond the stage

The project’s findings have wider implications for healthcare and policy. Women involved in the study shared concerns about inconsistent medical support and a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. The research highlights the need for improved access to menopause specialists and suggests the NHS should introduce ‘midlife MOTs’ for women, offering accessible menopause checklists similar to those routinely sent to men at age 40.

Dr Fielding and the Menopaus’ull team hope the production will prompt broader understanding of the challenges women face and encourage more open conversations about midlife health.

Community voices at the heart of the work.

Performance Dates

Things I Wish I’d Bloody Known will be performed at the Donald Roy Theatre, Gulbenkian Centre, University of Hull on:

• Friday 23rd October – Evening Performance – 7pm
• Saturday 24th October – Matinee Performance – 3pm
• Saturday 24th October – Evening Performance – 7pm

Tickets are £5 and can be booked here or by calling 01482 826061 or emailing support@mnetwork.org.uk

The production offers audiences the chance to laugh, reflect and perhaps recognise a little of themselves – or the women they know – in “The Girls”.