Troubled
About Troubled
It’s 1993, Mum won’t let Alice go to Funderland because Belfast is burning.
‘How about Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and Chinese chicken balls instead?’
Fast forward to 2023, where Alice meets Tim, finally falling in love but can she escape the legacy of a childhood shaped by conflict or is this the moment everything unravels?
Troubled is an extraordinary tale of love, loss and human connection - told with tea and biscuits.
Blending storytelling, projection, and audience interaction, Troubled reckons with the past, offering us renewed hope for the future.
Finalist for the 2025 Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award in partnership with The Scotsman.
Intimate, generous and deeply human. Suzy Crothers holds the room in her thrall with an open heart and searing honesty.
One 4 Review
Written and performed by Suzy Crothers | Produced by Lagan Bubble LTD | Directed by Amie Burns Walker | Associate Director - Annie Sutton | Movement direction by Nancy Kettle | Lighting and video by Rachel Sampley | TSM - Laura ‘Betty’ Haynes | Illustrations by Ruth Crothers | Sound by Ed Heaton | Dramaturgy by Adam Foster and Caroline Horton | Community facilitation by Annie Sutton | Access support by Ruth Mariner, Sarah Whiting Blowers and Alice Dunham
Created with kind support from Arts Council England, Roisin Gallagher and Patrick Handley.
Thanks to: Lemn Sissay, Roisin Gallagher, Kate Baiden, Haley McGee, Georgia Hudson, Finbar Caules, Emily Carewe, Benn Keaveney, Tinderbox, Dr Emma Janes, Ellen Waghorn, Una NicEoin, Ruth Crothers, CCEN, all who contributed so generously to the Edinburgh crowdfunder for this production.
Developed with Camden People’s Theatre, The Beaney Museum of Art and Knowledge, London Irish Centre, Crest Academy, Open School East, Arts Education Exchange, Dover Arts Development, Graeae, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, 1 Degree East.
About the production
This production may contain haze.
You’ll find further guidance on content here; please be aware that by reading this, elements of the plot may be revealed.
While we do our best to provide relevant info for audiences, shows in The Nest are often new or still in development and therefore content can change.
If you have questions or would like further information, drop us a line at hello@cft.org.uk
Content & themes
This performance contains reference to the ‘Troubles’ (including archive news footage), BPD, alcohol misuse, conflict within home and society, descriptive language around a mental health crisis (including references to self-harm, hearing voices and suicidal ideation), cancer and bereavement.
Whilst these subjects are heavy, they are placed in the context of the lead character’s recovery journey and a feeling that a journey towards wellbeing is possible.
Recommended for ages 16+
Prices & info
General admission | £15
Access tickets
Access tickets may be available for Access Members. Select the relevant Access tickets in the basket to receive your discount (where applicable).
Prologue £5 tickets
£5 Prologue tickets may be available to Prologue members aged 16-30. Please note you will be required to bring ID with you to the event.
Groups
You can book up to ten tickets online. Want to book more? Email groups@cft.org.uk
Only one reduction applies per ticket, and all discounts are subject to availability and at the discretion of the Box Office. ID may be required for certain discounts.