Where To See Victoria Melody Trouble Struggle Bubble and Squeak on its UK Tour?

Ever wondered what connects a 17th-century protest group with a modern housing estate in Brighton? It sounds a bit like the start of a history lesson, but it’s actually the story behind a brilliant theatre show that’s been getting rave reviews. After a massive success at the Edinburgh Fringe, the award-winning play Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak is hitting the road for a UK tour this autumn. It’s a one-of-a-kind show by theatre maker Victoria Melody that’s part comedy, part history, and all heart. It's a fantastic story about how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they pull together.

What's the show all about, then?

Imagine going through a tough time, like a divorce, and deciding the best way to handle it is by joining a historical re-enactment group. That’s exactly what Victoria Melody did. But what started as a personal journey to sort her head out turned into something much bigger. She stumbled upon the story of the Diggers, a group of radicals from the 1600s. These weren't your average rebels; they were landless people who, faced with hunger and poverty, decided to occupy common land and grow their own food. Talk about taking matters into your own hands!

This show brings that spirit bang up to date. Through clever storytelling and her signature immersive style, Victoria connects the dots between the past and the present. She met modern-day activists and community organisers who are, in their own way, still fighting the same battles for food justice and green spaces. This isn't just a play you watch; it's a documentary experience that pulls you in. It’s a story about trouble and the long struggle for a better world, all told with a massive dose of comedy and warmth.

From history books to a local community

The whole story is rooted in Whitehawk, a community in Brighton. But even if you’ve never been to Brighton, the themes will feel very familiar. All across the UK, there are places where people feel let down by those in charge. This play is a celebration of what happens next: people stepping up, organising, and looking after each other. It’s about the amazing solidarity that bubbles up when times get tough.

Directed by the brilliant political comedian Mark Thomas, the show doesn't shy away from the serious stuff but handles it with a light touch. It shows how the spirit of those historical Diggers is alive and well in places like Whitehawk. It’s a powerful reminder that history isn’t just something in dusty old books; it’s being made right now in our own neighbourhoods. This production shines a light on the real-life heroes who are making a difference every single day, often without any fuss or fanfare. It's a genuine hymn to community.

A proper community effort

This show isn't just about community; it was made by the community. The collaboration behind the scenes is just as inspiring as the story on stage. Local knitting groups in Brighton helped create parts of the set, including some rather charming knitted vegetables. Young people got involved too, contributing to the show’s unique sound design.

The whole creative process was a team effort. Members of the Whitehawk community were there from the start, attending read-throughs and giving feedback that helped shape the final script. This real-world collaboration makes the show feel incredibly authentic. As Victoria Melody says:

“This show has been made with pure love and built with the community at every stage, from the knitted vegetables to the sounds collected in the show. People from Whitehawk have given their stories, feedback and challenged me all the way through. Through this production, I wanted to show the great work people here are doing to keep each other afloat. These are ordinary heroes doing extraordinary things. It’s a disgrace that food poverty and battles for land and space are everyday realities in this country – but they are. And without the people stepping up in places like Whitehawk, we would all be in a much worse state.”

This genuine connection is what brings the performance to life on stage.

Who's behind the magic?

Victoria Melody is known for her unique approach to theatre. Her shows often blend documentary, comedy, and social commentary, making complicated subjects feel accessible and even hopeful. She has a real talent for bringing real communities and their stories to the stage with a lot of humour and heart. She works with a great team, including director Mark Thomas, sound designer Simon James, and design consultant Katharina Radeva.

Their work on Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak even got it shortlisted for the 2025 Popcorn Award, which is a big deal! After its success at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show is now ready to inspire audiences across the country on its much-anticipated UK tour.

So, where can you catch it?

The tour kicks off this autumn and will be visiting several towns and cities. It all starts at the Brighton Dome, the very place that commissioned the show. After that, it heads to Leeds, Berkshire, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Nottingham, and Norwich.

Here are all the dates and places you need to know. The show runs for about 60 minutes and is suitable for ages 14 and up.

Date	City/Town	Venue
Saturday 4th October 2025	Brighton	Brighton Dome
Tuesday 7th October 2025	Leeds	Old Woollen
Thursday 9th – Friday 10th October 2025	Reading, Berkshire	South Street
Monday 10th November 2025	Shrewsbury	Theatre Severn
Wednesday 12th November 2025	Stafford	Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Thursday 13th November 2025	Nottingham	Lakeside Arts
Friday 14th November 2025	Norwich	The Garage

If you want to keep up with Victoria Melody and her work, you can find her on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Bsky, and Facebook under the handle @victoriamelody_. This is more than just a play; it’s a moving and funny celebration of people power. Don't miss it!