about us
Bristol Spotlights is a hub for new writing and experimental theatre, dedicated to bold storytelling and innovative performance. We champion collaboration, powerful narratives, and the creation of truly unforgettable theatre.
In 2025, we (Leo Russell - Writer and Director, Maui Connock - Producer) are taking our first-ever show to the Edinburgh Fringe—Thirsty. Our four-person cast, all making their Fringe debut, are eager to bring this story to life on one of the world’s biggest theatre stages.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us as emerging creatives, but getting to Edinburgh is no small feat. Any support you can offer—big or small—will directly help our team make this dream a reality. We’d be beyond grateful for your generosity in helping us share Thirsty with the world.
What is Thirsty all about?
Thirsty is a bold and totally outrageous in-your-face comedy exploring the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in a world where they are a minority. It’s fast, farcical and absurdly chaotic, and we guarantee that no two performances of it will ever be the same. Across a break-neck fifty minutes, our four characters become entangled in each other’s romantic lives and try to out-do each other in their ridiculous presentations of heterosexuality, falling into absurd comic sequences and huge farcical set pieces.
Why is this piece so important to us?
Our play is of great importance in a world where we're seeing increasing hostility towards EDI initiatives. Now more than ever, good comedy is needed to fight regressive attitudes and satirise bigotry, while uplifting queer voices.
On a personal level, this is our final year at Bristol! Theatre-making has been such an integral part of our university experience, and we really want to deliver our final piece of work in the best way possible, to show Edinburgh what makes our community here in Bristol so wonderful.
As young creatives who are about to graduate (scary), this once in a lifetime experience will provide invaluable CV experience, as well as a first time performing on a national stage for our actors! Allowing us to network with other creatives and step out into the professional creative world, it would mean a great deal for us to make the absolute most out of this incredible experience.
What will your money go towards?
Fringe is expensive, and we would appreciate as much help as possible to help us get there. All of the money you donate will go towards covering the accommodation, venue hire, set, cotume, props, and marketing. Any additional funds raised will go directly back into the Bristol Spotlights society, to enable more students to explore their creativity through theatre!
Breakdown of costs:
- Accommodation: £1,995
- Venue Hire: £2,040
- Set, Costume, Props: £100
- Marketing Costs: £180
Thank you for taking the time to read this, we appreciate any and all donations hugely. If you would like to see more of our journey, check out our instagram @thirstyfringe
See you soon!
Leo and Maui xxx
