Airswimming is the first play written by Charlotte Jones. Its 1997 premiere at the Battersea Arts Centre was directed by Anna Mackmin (making her debut as a director) and featured Rosie Cavaliero and Scarlett Mackmin. It is based on two women being imprisoned in a mental asylum in the 1920s for having children outside of marriage, only being released in the 1970s.

In 1924 Persephone and Dora meet in St Dymphna’s Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Neither of them quite know why they are there. As they search for some meaning to their lives, Doris Day, the patron saint of all that is wholesome, perfect, and feminine, becomes their guide and saviour.

A story of bad girls trying to be good, trepanning, hand whisks, and the injustices meted on those who refuse to conform.

Airswimming us a life affirming muscial-tragical-comical delight!

Tickets £12 (£10 NHS/NUS/Under 18)