House of Figs share their powerful one-act piece navigating the choppy waters of friendship, from platonic meet-cutes to courageous conversations… and beyond – Join poet Beth Calverley and musician Beth Roberts on a voyage through deep friendship feelings, safely afloat in an otherworldly choir of spoken and sung voices
Who puts the wind in your sails?
Do you have a friendship that’s on the rocks?
Does small talk land you in deep water?
Are you still looking for your “lifelong crew”?
Then climb aboard…
The Awkward Guide To Friendship traces the tale of Beth and Beth’s friendship, interspersing the duo’s own experiences of loneliness and connection with voice notes of other people talking about friendship, original songs and immersive soundscapes. Along the way, they invite their new friends (you!) to help inspire some live improvisations and join in with collective singing – though quiet listening is equally welcomed.
“I could relate to so much of what you were saying, I’ve never seen those things talked about in that way before.”
Audience Reaction
“Beautiful sounds and words…You made me realise everyone has [experience with] friendships, even my old dad.”
Audience Reaction
“One of those truly exciting creative moments where I feel a more complete, more feeling, more alive person having experienced this show.”
Audience Reaction
House of Figs is a collaboration between Beth Calverley (The Poetry Machine) and Beth Roberts (Hands of the Heron / Hedera / Tryani Collective). Beth and Beth hold parallel roles as Poet and Musician in Residence for their local NHS Trust. From hospitals to festivals to libraries, they create a held space wherever they perform, illuminating the value of care for ourselves and others. They have headlined events at Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival and Komedia Bath, and performed at Shambala, HowTheLightGetsIn, Green Man, WOMAD, Good Grief and Bristol Harbour Festival.
