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 Dr Sarah Jane 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.
“Maybe different weird for each of us but still really weird. And you know what? We – the girls – should be talking about it. Loudly!” Things I Wish I’d Bloody Known, S.J. Dickenson (2026)
This research partnership, now brought to life on stage, 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 Fielding from the University of Hull, gathering deeply personal testimonies from participants, which were then developed with playwright 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. The project was funded by The Ideas Fund, supported by the Wellcome Trust and delivered by the British Science Association.
The project’s findings have wider implications for healthcare and policy with many women sharing 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. 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.
“The support the Menopaus’ull team can offer to women who are experiencing the menopause is phenomenal and is something the community are incredibly lucky to have. There is a need, however, for the NHS to be better serving those who are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause. We are confident that the production will raise awareness and shine a light on the need for improved services and support whilst celebrating the joys of the journey and being excited to reach that next chapter in life, because for many women I have worked with over the past two years that has been ‘bloody brilliant’.” Fielding
Lucy Carew, Joint Chief Officer at Neighbourhood Network and Menopaus’ull Co-founder, praised the collaboration, saying it has “brought women together in laughter, tears, and creativity and shown that sharing our stories can change not only how we see ourselves, but how others see us.”
Joint Chief Officer and Menopaus’ull Co-founder Sarah Weichardt added: “This partnership with the University of Hull and the production of Things I Wish I’d Bloody Known will bring the menopause conversation to new audiences that we would ordinarily not meet, and hopefully in turn support more of those who need our help.”
“The ladies involved are really excited to see the production come to fruition and hope that their stories of lived experience will make a real difference to audiences far and wide.”
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”.
