When Things Don't Go to Plan

You spoke and we listened. Audiences have asked for more opportunities to talk to one another. This is one of three opportunities over the weekend to take part in a discussion-based activity.

Whether childless by choice, by circumstance, or by a complex mix of both, every story matters. This event will involve a set of discussion groups supported by members of the community to allow you the space to discuss questions and themes that may not be as simple as they first appear. The discussion points will be shared prior to the event. 

This event is for anyone who wants to listen, learn, or share — with no judgment and no assumptions. Following feedback from last year’s festival we have programmed this event for the first time to hold space for audience members to share their personal experiences and stories. The focus group are working hard on a set of shared values, expectations and  guidelines for respectful participation. We will publish these on the website and on a pre visit email.  

If you have any access needs for example noise sensitivity, mobility or if there is any other support you need, please add yourself to the access register here. We will get in touch with you before the event to chat about we can support you to have the best experience of the discussions group events.  

Introductions from….

Elizabeth Harkness. Elizabeth is a 30-something childfree female professional, and host & creator of the Other than Motherhood podcast. Her work aims to explore the ways in which western society influences and frames our understanding and expectations when it comes to motherhood, and unpack the misconceptions of what it truly means to live without children. 

Berenice Howard-Smith, MA is the co-founder of The Full Stop, an online community and podcast. She is a coach, facilitator, artist, art director and runs Hello Lovely and Co, a creative design collaboration agency with many people in our community to bring their ideas to life including the design of Robert Nurden’s book ‘I Always Wanted To Be A Dad: Men WIthout Children’. She is childless after failed IVF and miscarriages and lives in Cambridge with her husband and rescue dog.

This event is for people who are Childless and Childfree and their supporters. 

This event may feature strong language, mention of abortion, trauma, pregnancy, miscarriage, and suicidal ideation. Please look out for yourself and others and please remember you can come and go from any event.

The is event will take place in the Main Theatre and the Garret Theatre & Bar.