In Her Shoes is a participatory digital project by Blown Fuse Theatre
About the Project
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and a nationwide lockdown ensued, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring this project to life. We wanted to uncover the untold stories of Thurrock womxn who have had an impact on our world, as well as womxn who have a connection with the borough and have a story to tell. Thurrock is home to a rich multicultural community, and it was important that we represented this in our work.
Funded by Thurrock Council and Thurrock CVS, we set out to involve the community in our research, contacting organisations such as the Thurrock Local History Society, Bata Heritage Centre, Thurrock Museum and many more. We struck gold. Our email inbox exploded.
We put out a casting call to actors who wanted to lend their experience in voice performance, and found some extraordinary talent who helped bring these remarkable stories to life.
These are the first 5 stories of the In Her Shoes project. We will be releasing more as the project evolves.
Our hopes is that this project is constantly updating, and for that to happen, we need to hear from you. Are you a womxn with a connection to Thurrock, have a family member who is/was and want to immortalise your story? Get in touch with us here.
Want to get involved? Click below to Request a Story Exchange pack and be part of our research!
+ Please note +
The audio experience is designed for and is best enjoyed with headphones.
IN JANET’S SHOES
After coming across Janet Harris (née Mulcock)’s story on the Bata Heritage Centre’s ‘Memories’ page, her daughter Joanne kindly offered to speak with us about her mother and her life as part of the Bata Estate Community.
Janet had written a short memoir of her life, which Joanne graciously gave us access to. Janet sadly passed away a few years ago, and, by sharing her story, we hope to help in keeping her memory alive.
‘In Janet’s Shoes’ was performed by Hannah Brailsford.
With thanks to Joanne Aldridge for sharing her mum’s story with us.
In Loving Memory of Janet Harris
02 August 1936 - 16th Dec 2015
IN KATE’S SHOES
Kate Luard was the lesser-known counterpart of Florence Nightingale.
Born in Avely, Kate was a British nurse in the Second Boer War and First World War and was awarded the Royal Red Cross and Bar. Throughout her career as an established nurse, Kate penned two books recounting her life on the frontlines.
Diary of a Nursing Sister on the Western Front, William Blackwood & Sons, 1915 (published anonymously).
Unknown Warriors, the Letters of Kate Luard, History Press Limited, 2017.
‘In Kate’s Shoes’ was performed by Bella Humphries.
With thanks to Susan Yates & The Thurrock Local Historical Society for research into Kate’s life.
IN SUSAN’S SHOES
In her story, local historian Susan Yates details her time working at the State Cinema, Grays. Opening in 1938, it was once a glorious art-deco building, housing up to 2200 audience members and a 500 pipe Compton Organ.
It still sits - mostly derelict - in Grays Town Centre, but has recently been purchased by J.D. Wetherspoon pubs.
‘In Susan’s Shoes’ was performed by Olivia Stewart.
With thanks to Susan Yates for sharing her story with us.
IN ALICE’S SHOES
Aveley born Alice Diehl was an incredibly talented musician and prolific novelist - writing nearly 50 novels and several other books during her lifetime.
Alice’s musical life took her all over Europe, yet little is known about her locally.
‘In Alice’s Shoes’ was performed by Misha Domadia.
With thanks to Susan Yates & The Thurrock Local Historical Society for research into Alice’s life.
IN PAMELA’S SHOES
Pamela Pilime recounts her childhood in Zimbabwe, until relocating to the UK to complete her education. Pamela talks about her love for her new-found home and community in Thurrock.
“Thurrock has kept the torch of love burning despite the negative environment and animosity in the world”
- Pamela Pilime
‘In Pamela’s Shoes’ was performed by Jo Melville.
With thanks to Pamela Pilime for sharing her story with us.
This project is dedicated to the memory of
—————
Gabrielle forster-still
—————
a true trailblazer for womxn in our borough, who championed the Arts & Culture sector in Thurrock for over a decade.
IN HER SHOES
is kindly supported by THURROCK CVS & THURROCK COUNCIL.
Research was made possible by contribution from:
Susan Yates, The Thurrock Local Historical Society, Bata Heritage Centre, Tilbury on The Thames Trust & Thurrock Museum.
With special thanks to:
Susan Yates, Pamela Pilime, Joanne Aldridge, Valina Bowman-Burns, Lucy-Emma Harris, Scott Sullivan, Lynette Sampson, Frazer Merrick.
And:
Hannah Brailsford, Misha Domadia, Bella Humphries, Jo Melville and Olivia Stewart
who contributed their time and voices in order to bring these stories to life.
Sound effects and music by FreeSound.org & Incompetech.com
Curation, editing and dramatisation by Blown Fuse ©
