Former Bath Student Bringing New Play About Chronic Illness to the City

A new play about the challenges of living with the chronic illness ME is coming to the city of Bath this September.

Titled Yawn, the play tells the story of a young woman who falls ill with the long-term health condition ME - also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) - and struggles to get help with a diagnosis.

It has been written by Hollie Christian-Brookes, an actor with ME who studied at the University of Bath. Playing at The Mission Theatre on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th September, YAWN is inspired by Hollie’s experiences of living with the condition over the last few years.

Image - Yawn: A chronically fatigued play

Hollie says "ME has completely changed my life. Before having the condition I was generally fit and well and enjoyed an active, social lifestyle. Now I have to be really careful about what I do to manage my symptoms. It can be hard seeing friends and family make the most of my life when sometimes it takes all you have to just get out og bed and do normal things like shower or brush your teeth."

“I wanted YAWN to shine a light on the challenges of having ME/CFS and a chronic illness in general. Because it’s a hidden illness it can be hard for people to recognise or understand, so I wrote the play to raise more awareness about the condition and highlight the lack of support available.”

ME/CFS is a fluctuating condition that usually develops after a viral or bacterial infection. The main symptoms are debilitating fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, extreme exhaustion after exercise, and problems thinking clearly – though the condition typically affects each person differently. Additional symptoms can also include heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea, muscle aches, persistent flu-like symptoms, digestive issues, and sensory sensitivity.

Hollie, who was a University of Bath Arts Scholar, will play the lead role ‘Young Woman’, alongside actor Christopher Irvine as ‘Brainworm’. Also in the cast is chronic illness TikTok influencer Oliver George as the ‘Voice of ME’, narrating the various hidden symptoms felt by the main character.

YAWN made its debut at the Cheltenham Fringe Festival earlier this year to glowing reviews, with audience members hailing the show as “heartfelt and funny in equal measure”, “very relatable”, and “educational and entertaining at the same time”.

Hollie says: “I have so many fond memories of living in Bath and I’m beyond excited to be returning as a professional artist. The Mission Theatre holds a special place in my heart as the venue where I made my directorial debut during my student days, so it’s a full circle moment to be bringing such a personal piece of work to the stage there.”

The play will also be raising money for the ME Association with a cash collection on the door. The charity supports thousands of people across the country who have ME/CFS, Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome, and Long Covid by funding research, lobbying government, and providing essential resources to help with day-to-day living. 

Hollie says "Having ME is obviously not what I wanted, but it has made me value life in a way I never did before. Whether you relate to the condition, or just want a good laugh and fancy learning something new at the same time, YAWN is sure to give you a powerful night of entertainment"

YAWN is at The Mission Theatre on Thursday 25th & Friday 26th September as part of its New Writing Week. Tickets are £12 full price and £10 concessions and can be purchased on Eventbrite

Follow @yawn_play on Instagram for more information