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SEVEN and a half YEARS

12 - 17 Oct 2026

SEVEN and a half YEARS

"A Stunning Fusion of Music, Theatre and Truth."

"Glentworth’s Solo Triumph: Personal, Powerful, Unforgettable"

"A musically beautiful and deeply human piece of theatre"

We may Fall... ..But Can We Rise

SEVEN and a half YEARS is deeply autobiographical, charting a life shaped by early brilliance, profound responsibility, devastating illness and a hard-won return to creativity. Yet what could have felt heavy or overly earnest is instead moving, intimate and – surprisingly – uplifting.

It is  a powerful blend of songs, dialogue and soundscapes that went on to win Best New Musical Runner-Up at the 2021 Edinburgh Festival.

A sudden and unexplained breakdown left Mark with tinnitus, insomnia and muteness.

For seven years, he lived in near-total isolation, spending up to 23 hours a day in silence. Doctors could offer no explanation. Survival itself felt uncertain.

And yet, this is ultimately a story of return.

SEVEN and a half YEARS is a reminder that creativity can survive silence, that music can return after loss, and that it is never too late to begin again.

It is not just a one-man play – it is an act of courage, resilience and creative rebirth, delivered with honesty, humility and, above all, beautiful MUSIC.

Cast & Creative Team

Talmage Productions

Writer: Mark Glentworth

Previous Direction from Julia Stubbs

Date & Time: Monday 12th October @ 8:30pm, Saturday 17th October @ 10:00pm

Running Time: 65 mins

Content warnings: Suitable for ages 12 and above.

Latecomers may 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 receives no core funding and survives almost entirely on ticket sales. Any donations, help us support independent arts and theatremakers - an essential step in preserving the future of fringe theatre. 

Venue: The Glitch

The Glitch is a vibrant artsy café & bar and unique creative space in the heart of Waterloo, created by VAULT Creative Arts, producers of VAULT Festival. Good coffee, cheeesy toasties, cold beers, delicious cocktails and the most welcoming staff. It’s the perfect place to meet with friends, work in comfort, or relax admiring local artworks. As the evening draws in, the space morphs into a lively bar with intimate nights of comedy, theatre, music, spoken word, and special one-off events and parties. A unique space with plenty of atmosphere that’s open and inclusive to all. Queer-friendly and proudly a safe space for the LGBTQIA community, with many events led by or created for queer people.

The Theatre is downstairs at The Glitch with a capacity of 54 and versitle set-up. Ideal for theatre, comedy, experimental, cabaret and WIP shows. Full tech spec cab be viewed here

Website
The Glitch
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Supported by

The Bread & Roses Theatre LogoThe Bread & Roses Pub logoThis is Clapham logoBrooklyn Brewery logoSt Johns Logo