My Beautiful Black Dog

Gig meets theatre meets depression meets a tidal wave of glitter.

My Beautiful Black Dog explores the beauteous complexity of our fragile minds.

Penned by poet Brigitte Aphrodite, the musical challenges the stigma around mental health and encourages the audience to take ownership of their own black dogs – using wild dances moves, swaggering costumes and banging tunes. It arrives at Southbank Centre following an acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

‘Black Dog is what Winston Churchill used to call his depression… I have a beautiful black dog and I called her Creshendorious.’ (Brigitte Aphrodite)

Brigitte Aphrodite is a punk poet, musician, theatre maker and feminist showgirl. With her band she has played Leeds and Reading Festivals, Bestival, Latitude and Kendal Calling, and has supported Kate Nash and Josie Long on their UK tours. Brigitte's debut studio album is due for release in early 2016. She is a mentor for youth charity Arts Emergency and has facilitated workshops for Ideastap and the National Youth Theatre.

‘Imagine the Mighty Boosh crossed with the best episode of Girls. Prepare to cry and laugh several times over. You’ll leave a better person’ (Elle Magazine)

‘You'll leave the room beaming’ ***** (To Do List)

‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so emotionally honest on stage before.’ **** (Exuent Magazine)

‘It's original, heart-wrenching and -warming all at once’ **** (The List)
‘The warmth and good feeling that it generates is kind of glorious’ **** (The Stage)

Directed by Laura Keefe
Musical Direction by Quiet Boy
Produced by Boom Shakalaka Productions
Supported by and developed in association with Iron Shoes

Saturday 6 February, 6pm & 9pm
Sunday 7 February, 7pm

Spirit Level (Blue Room) at Royal Festival Hall