MPs inspired to shape safer cultures for young people following powerful performance by UON Acting graduates

A trio of graduates from the University of Northampton have reflected on stepping through the doors at the Houses of Parliament to deliver a gripping stage performance as a powerful critique on sexism, sexist behaviours and misogyny.

Acting graduates Charlotte Bisker, Ben Lole and George Pavey staged ‘Unacceptable’, a theatrical performance for MPs and guests at the Houses of Parliament as a part of UK-based theatre and film company, Narrative Alchemy. They used creative expression to explore themes of sexism, sexist behaviours and misogyny amongst young people, acting as an early intervention for secondary schools.

The play was performed at the request of Chair of the Education Committee, Helen Hayes MP, and other MPs and their teams were in attendance, as well as invited charitable organisations including Tender.

The performance was delivered in the wake of the invitation from Labour MP Josh McAlister for Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, creators of the popular Netflix series, Adolescence, to meet with MPs to discuss the rise of so-called ‘incel culture’ and misogyny in schools.

Unacceptable is designed to be age-appropriate for secondary school students and, to date, has had an audience of around 30,000 young people in schools across the country. The writers at Narrative Alchemy created the play to be engaging, non-judgemental, and to empower boys to reflect on their actions, while showing girls that they do not have to tolerate unacceptable behaviours.

As the actors took their final bow, UON Graduate and Narrative Alchemy Actor, George Pavey took a moment to reflect on his experience: “It was fantastic to have the opportunity to perform in The Houses of Parliament, alongside Narrative Alchemy and its Co-Artistic Director, Sean McGrath, who I met through my studies at UON. Alongside the company, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved with four tours of schools across the UK since graduating last year.

“I believe it’s so important for the younger generation to watch the show as it really does create change. Even from the stage, you can see the students becoming more and more intrigued about the performances, noticing potential changes they themselves need to make. With Adolescence gaining such an audience and creating so much conversation about the issue of toxic masculinity in young people, I honestly believe that Unacceptable can help create change about the general outlook on Sexism and Misogyny.

“The play covers such important and relevant topics to society today, and it was fantastic to see it received so well by everyone – particularly Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and Chair of the Education Committee.

Following the performance, MP Helen Hayes said: “Thank you to Narrative Alchemy for staging a powerful performance of Unacceptable in Parliament. Sexism and misogyny infiltrate all corners of society and parents, teachers and young people themselves often struggle to tackle it. Unacceptable is a really effective use of the power of storytelling to educate young people on sexism and misogyny and begin conversations which can be transformative, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking to address misogyny amongst young people.”

Since it began touring, Unacceptable has been booked consistently, and teacher feedback has stated that it tackles difficult issues in a sensitive manner, without shaming or alienating students. Following the showcase at the Houses of Parliament, the graduates will again take to the stage as the play continues touring schools across the UK.

Discover more about Narrative Alchemy’s applied theatre offering and how schools can book a performance.

Find out more about studying Acting for Stage and Screen at the University of Northampton.