Psycho-siren Leah Shelton
Leah Shelton — creator & performer of BATSHIT.
Psycho-siren Leah Shelton is known for creating stylised, guttural, renegade feminist work soaked in cult references and dark humour. Fresh from an award-winning run at Edinburgh Fringe, we spoke to Leah Shelton about BATSHIT.
How would you describe BATSHIT?
BATSHIT is both intimate storytelling and a cathartic feminist scream against the systems that let us down — wrapped up in a visually stunning, entertaining, and darkly funny straitjacket.
What is your creative process like?
BATSHIT was directed by acclaimed UK performance artist Ursula Martinez. Ursula is like the “guru” of autobiographical performance, so this created a safe space for us to go deep, vulnerable and real (a scary place for me!). Because the show is so personal, I also invited my Mum into the creative process, so you’ll hear her voice, memories and storytelling in the show as well.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with Ursula?
This work is the second solo work directed by the Olivier award-winning UK performance artist, Ursula Martinez.
I initially met Ursula through the Fringe cabaret scene — and actually the first time we worked together, she engaged me to perform her infamous red hanky magic striptease act (if you haven’t seen it, YouTube it!) — which I have since been lucky enough to perform all over the world, from Las Vegas to London's West End. Ursula Martinez is one hell of an inspiration — inimitable, unapologetic, fierce, political performance art provocateur. Her belief and support has helped me find strength, vulnerability, and to embrace a zero-fucks performance ethos.
Who will love seeing BATSHIT?
I think the show really resonates with women who have had an experience of being belittled & called hysterical; as well as anyone who has been pathologised and ignored by the medical system; and family members / partners / healthcare providers who have first-hand experience within the psychiatric system.
How have audiences reacted to BATSHIT?
BATSHIT has had an incredible response from audiences wherever it’s been performed. People are moved, empowered and enraged — and often, it’s about feeling seen.
It’s my hope this work creates a space to share stories and conversations that unite, agitate, and provoke social change. So, whether it’s feeling seen or feeling enraged, it’s the power of theatre to find ways to make sense of how we can live better in this world.
What surprises are in store for audiences?
There's a lot of unexpected magic tricks, fake limbs, and a memorable moment where I disappear inside a couch that lots of people are gobsmacked by!