‘There is just one room I don’t want you to go in,’ he said.

And he gave her the key.

Cat Weatherill’s Bluebeard is a journey into obsession. Inspired by Perrault’s classic gothic horror story, it’s magnificently dark, erotic and disturbing. But it’s also a celebration of the love of sisters and the resilience of women. 

This is a defiantly female version of the tale, in which the sister and mother of the bride, Eva, are given far greater prominence. Eva also is awarded infinitely more emotional complexity than usual, as she explosively transforms from a victim into a survivor who will not ‘rake through the ashes for half burned hopes.’

‘Totally captivating… stunning. Cat leads audiences into those deep places where nothing is spared, and dark and light are laid bare. Inspirational.’ Dr Pauline Mottram. Manchester Metropolitan University.

Bluebeard was shortlisted for Storytelling Performance of the Year in the British Awards for Storytelling Excellence 2012

Bluebeard is part of Cat’s Red Energy strand. Red Energy Theatre explores emotion through story, to engage the heart and stir the soul.

Audience Feedback

‘In terms of composition and performance, the finest spectacle at Beyond the Border 2012’ – Tim Ralphs

‘Transformative. I’d expected shock horror, but not the journey into my own subconscious you so masterfully led.’

‘Dark, awesome, truthful and beautiful. I have seen and heard so many wonderful storytellers, but your story opened another, stranger, more terrifying window. Thank you so much.’

‘Very impressive, very courageous.’ 

‘Amazing performance. Very disturbing.’

‘If Carslberg did storytellers, you would be it. Wow.’

‘An incredibly haunting tale, told with such energy. I studied Bluebeard at university, and this has completely transformed my feelings and thoughts of the tale.’

‘Highly unusual, atmospheric and wonderfully spooky. Beautiful singing.’

‘Amazing. Gave me chills – in a good way.’

‘An extraordinary performance… The full horror of it. Time flew.’