A pioneering project aimed at preventing the "menopause drain" of creative talent launches this spring at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. Titled Writing the r(Age), the initiative provides vital resources and community support for writers of stage, screen, and audio navigating the cognitive challenges of menopause.
Breaking the Silence on "Brain Fog"
The project was founded by writer Rachel Barnett-Jones (Sensible Creative) after her own experience with perimenopausal aphasia—the loss of ability to express or understand speech. "Suddenly not being able to find words, the skill at the heart of everything I do, made me feel like I’d never be able to work again," Barnett-Jones explains.
What began as a small WhatsApp support group has evolved into a national advocacy project. Backed by Sheffield Theatres, Big Imaginations Network, and the Society of Authors, the project has produced two comprehensive resource packs designed to keep menopausal creators in the workforce.
Practical Industry Solutions
The free resource packs, available starting 25 February, offer:
For Writers: Guidance on managing fluctuating energy, self-compassion, and adapting creative schedules.
For Industry Professionals: Advice on "cognitive accommodations," such as providing written meeting summaries, clear briefs, and flexible deadlines.
Launch Event: Wednesday 25 February
The official launch takes place at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse (within the Crucible) and features a packed schedule of advocacy and art:
2:00 PM – Panel Discussion: Keynote and expert panel featuring Barnett-Jones, theatre-maker Imogen Ashby, and health experts Emma Wee and Lucy Heyman. (£5)
5:15 PM – Writing Workshop: A collaborative session exploring the "accidental surrealism" of aphasia and how to write when words are hard to find. (Free)
7:00 PM – Dry Bits: A performance of Imogen Ashby’s riotous one-woman show exploring mid-life and change. (£12–£14)
"At Sheffield Theatres, we are committed to supporting artists at every stage," says Creative Development Director Deborah Dickinson. "Writing the r(Age) addresses a significant but often overlooked barrier in the creative industries."
