“I’ve been here since 1922. Yes, stationed here July 4th – American Independence Day – funny that. The irony is not lost on me, believe you me. I shall be your superior officer for a while, but don’t worry, I’m not one to pull rank. We do this polishing duty
for one hour each day. The rest of the time we shuffle and look crazed. They prefer it that way”

Persophone is just planning for her coming out ball when she finds herself consigned to a rather puzzling finishing school: St Dymphna’s Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Here she meets Dora, a fellow inmate, shunned by society for daring to be different. Airswimming is based on the true story of two women who have been incarcerated in a mental asylum for being ‘moral imbeciles’ for having borne illegitimate children.

Forgotten by their families and institutionalized for over 50 years, Dora and Persephone adopt alter egos Dorph and Porph, to enact their fantasies and survive the silence o incarceration.

Described by BBC radio 4 as “an uplifting comedy of friendship, fantasy and freedom” the play is equal parts funny and vivacious, and heartbreakingly poignant.

Coming to venues across the South this June and July.

Directed by Hannah Wood, starring Rebecca James and Jessica Blake

24th June 2025 – The Hub Theatre, Southampton, buy tickets here

5th July 2025 – Taunton Brewhouse, buy tickets here

10th July 2025 – The Petersfield Museum, buy tickets here

23rd & 24th July – Wymering Manor, buy tickets here