“My voice cracked on the high note. I saw my Nan wince. The blood rushed to my cheeks – and a century’s lineage lay shattered on the floor.”

Amateur dramatics. The hidden history of many a performance artist. From four generations of leading ladies comes one queer Londoner, sharing a story of return and reconciliation – with her hometown, cultural inheritance and secret love of musical theatre.

In this affectionate tribute Hannah Maxwell makes a prodigal’s return to the musty vibrancy of amateur dramatics – her family’s consuming passion for 89 years and four generations.

Weaving storytelling, stand-up, live art and a manageable amount of musical theatre references, I, AmDram traces the distance between queer, quirky London and the rehearsal Halls of Home Counties suburbia; minding the gap between the identities we assert and the worlds we leave.

Maxwell’s unique story has charmed audiences across the UK and Australia, including at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019 and Adelaide Fringe 2020.

Supported by Arts Council England and the Welwyn Thalians Musical and Dramatic Society (est 1929).

★★★★★ “Pure gold… beautifully constructed and delivered with real skill.” – Adelaide Advertiser

★★★★★   “A Generation Z Caroline Aherne!”  - To Do List

★★★★  “Joyful & perceptive” – The Scotsman

★★★★ “A heartfelt and deeply moving tribute” – The List

“I almost lost my goddamn mind laughing” – Exeunt 

 “Very smart… engaging and layered.” - Lyn Gardner

Written and performed by Hannah Maxwell
Dramaturgical support – Nick Cassenbaum, Michelle Madsen
Lighting Design – Benedict Hudson
Technical Manager – Becky Plotnek