THE GIRL IN THE MASK
A new play by Brad Sutherland
Directed by Orsolya Nagy
Part of Lambeth Fringe Festival 2026
White Bear Theatre
138 Kennington Park Road
London SE11 4DJ
6–17 October 2026
Tuesday–Saturday, 7:30pm
PRESS NIGHT
Thursday 8 October 2026 — 7:30pm
THE PLAY
“Her mother couldn’t accept she was different, and then she went no contact.”
Amy has always been different. She doesn’t understand why people expect her to behave like everyone else, and she’s never been very good at pretending that she does.
But when her father dies and her mother tries to take control of her future, Amy finds a new way to escape: a mask, a new name and a YouTube channel called The Girl in the Mask.
As Amy’s rebellion brings her closer to Kieran, a young doctor who thinks he understands her, her relationship with her mother Celia begins to fall apart.
But is Amy finally discovering who she really is, or simply finding another mask to hide behind?
The Girl in the Mask is a darkly funny and moving play about autism, identity, mental health and the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter.
At its heart, the play asks:
What happens when we stop listening to someone's lived experience because we think we understand them better than they understand themselves?
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
The production has been deliberately scheduled to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2026.
The production's timing has particular relevance to the play, which explores mental health, identity and the importance of listening to lived experience.
“Lived experiences heard: Real voices, real change.”
This year's theme has a direct connection with Amy's struggle to make herself understood and with the central question of the play: what happens when the people closest to us believe they understand our experience better than we do ourselves?
Find out more about World Mental Health Day:
World Mental Health Day — World Federation for Mental Health
ABOUT THE WRITER
Brad Sutherland
Brad Sutherland is an award-winning playwright whose work explores contemporary social, political and human issues.
His plays include Hammersmith Bridge is Falling Down, Just Stop Extinction Rebellion, Until She Sleeps and The Girl in the Mask.
His most recent play, Hammersmith Bridge is Falling Down, was performed at the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes in September 2026. The production sold out, and the theatre requested additional performances, although an extension was unfortunately not possible.
Brad's work ranges from political satire and contemporary social issues to intimate dramas exploring relationships, identity and difficult moral questions.
He won the Player Playwrights' Best Play Award in 2023.
Brad Sutherland:
bradsutherland.com
PREVIOUS WORK
Hammersmith Bridge is Falling Down
Brad's most recent play, Hammersmith Bridge is Falling Down, was staged at the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes in September 2026.
The production sold out, and following the successful run the theatre requested additional performances, although it was unfortunately not possible to extend the production.
The play examines contemporary British politics, political responsibility and the pressures faced by politicians attempting to deliver their promises.
Just Stop Extinction Rebellion
Just Stop Extinction Rebellion is a romantic comedy set within an activist group.
The play explores climate activism, political conviction and the increasingly difficult question of how far activists can justify their tactics in pursuit of what they believe is a necessary cause.
Until She Sleeps
Until She Sleeps explores difficult questions surrounding terminal illness, personal autonomy and euthanasia, focusing on the emotional and moral pressures placed on those closest to someone facing the end of their life.
CAST
Laura Fitzpatrick — Celia
Emma Riches — Amy
Samantha Parry — Jo
Edward Jobling — Kieran
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer — Brad Sutherland
Director — Orsolya Nagy
Producers
Laura Fitzpatrick
Emma Riches
Samantha Parry
Orsolya Nagy
Maiden Productions
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
The Girl in the Mask
By Brad Sutherland
Venue:
White Bear Theatre
138 Kennington Park Road
London SE11 4DJ
Dates:
Tuesday 6 – Saturday 17 October 2026
Performances:
Tuesday–Saturday, 7:30pm
Press Night:
Thursday 8 October 2026, 7:30pm
Festival:
Lambeth Fringe Festival 2026
Tickets:
£16 / £14 concessions
Booking:
White Bear Theatre
Production company:
Maiden Productions
PRESS CONTACT
Brad Sutherland
Maiden Productions
