Our productions Past Productions sixTeen by Lisa McKenzie and Jayne Williams ABOUT THE PLAY One year. One estate. Where childhood meets reality Sutton-in-Ashfield, 1984. The miners’ strike rages, but this isn’t the story you’ve heard before. This is Carsic Estate and a girl's-eye view of a world built by industry, broken by policy, and handed down without a map. Set in Thatcher’s Britain but echoing loudly in Starmer’s era, this is not a history play. It’s a warning shot. A raw, unflinching coming-of-age story, of working-class teenage girls and women finding their voices, fighting back, and rewriting the rules. Presented as an unplugged performance by 3 actors, featuring a question and answer session with Dr. Lisa McKenzie. Content warning: Contains some strong language and references to suicide. Writers: Lisa McKenzie and Jayne Williams ★ ★ ★ ★ “The writing is whip-smart, making you want to laugh and cry....Searching, stimulating, and enriching theatre” East Midlands Theatre JOIN US IN BRINGINg SIXTEEN TO MORE AUDIENCES We are thrilled that more than 400 people experienced sixTeen and took part in our post-show Q&A sessions in September 2025. The response has been extraordinary and your enthusiasm has confirmed how urgently this piece resonates. Now, we need your support To meet the growing interest and ensure sixTeen reaches even more communities, we are currently fundraising to schedule additional performances throughout 2026-27. Every contribution, both big or small will directly help us deepen the impact of this work and keep vital conversations alive. Play your part in helping sixTeen reach more audiences. Donate Today! TAKE A PEAK BEHIND THE SCENES BBC News The miners' strike seen through young women's eyes Read the article BBC SOUNDS Tune in to hear Lisa and Jayne talk about how sixTeen was developed Listen Here blog Lisa McKenzie shares her Open Pitch journey to becoming a playwright Read Lisa's blog Open Pitch This play was developed through our unique Open Pitch programme, to discover the backstory of sixTeen and other projects click here To learn more about our Open Pitch community programme click here Special thanks to The Leche Trust, The Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK, The Thomas Farr Charity, Unity Theatre Trust and individual donors. You can be part of the journey and help to bring sixTeen to more communities. Donate today! Manage Cookie Preferences