How To Direct A Funeral

All Reese wants is a job.

All Kit wants is to direct funerals.

And all Mrs Baitman wants is... well... the most eccentric, outlandish funeral known to man.

In Madeleine James’ debut play, we follow Reese as she arrives at Thomas Funeral Directors hoping to land a job. During her interview, Kit is called away urgently and in the meantime Reese is asked for a small favour: meet with the recently widowed Mrs Baitman and write down every request for her late husband’s funeral. There’s just one rule—say yes to everything.

Little does Reese know, Mrs Baitman has some interesting ideas up her sleeve. From one misunderstanding to the next, every attempt to organise the perfect send-off only makes matters worse. Miscommunication mixes with incompetence and the funeral plans spiral out of control. Mrs Baitman’s increasingly bizarre demands push Reese and Kit to their limits.

Reese and Kit try to prove they’re capable of directing a funeral, yet they must somehow satisfy a client whose imagination knows no bounds, whilst also upholding a family business’ reputation. But the question is: can they pull off the funeral of Mrs Baitman’s dreams, or will it become a disaster that no one will ever forget?

Cast and Crew

Writer: Madeleine James

Director: Danny Buttfield

Running time: 50 mins

Date & Time: Saturday 3rd October @ 5:30pm

Contains strong language, depictions of death, grief, references to suicide and scenes some viewers might find distressing. This production also includes flashing lights and sudden loud noises.

Audience Guidelines

Latecomers will not be admitted. Ticket purchases are non refundable.

Concession prices apply to students; under 18s; pensioners; those on disability and unemployment benefits; Equity, BECTU & SDUK members.

The Bread & Roses Theatre is an unfunded venue that continues to operate on ticket sales only. Donations help support independent arts and theatremakers, an essential step in preserving the future of fringe theatre.