Photo by Daniel Hughes

The show had its debut at The Edinburgh Fringe 2017. ’Hopeless’ was nominated for the Amnesty International Freedom of Speech Award, The New Voice Award Brighton, shortlisted for The Prague Fringe Performance Award and was runner up in The Saboteur’s Best Spoken Word Show.

It has already taken audiences by storm selling out several shows in Camden People’s Theatre London,  Glasgow at the Tron Theatre, Migration Matters Festival Sheffield, Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle, Summerhall in Edinburgh in association with The Scottish Poetry Library, The Prague Fringe and The Brighton Fringe.

Through quick-fire poetry and dark comedy, Leyla asks whether we can really make a difference or, if in fact, everything is broken beyond repair. Audiences can expect a fiery collision of theatre and spoken word, all tied together with a powerhouse performance.

The show follows Leyla as she realises the news brings nothing but despair, causing her to feel hopeless. She stays in bed all day, eating full Viennetas and asking herself the question ‘what is the point of starting the day when things are so bleak?’ The show examines Leyla’s personal struggles about feeling useless, as well as the ‘annoying’ indifference shown by many of her peers, she speaks about time spent at a refugee camp in Athens, her great-great grandfathers journey to Scotland and how hope is a weapon we must use wisely.

Hopeless shines light on these miserable times we find ourselves in, and will try to stir up hope even in the most cynical of audience members.

Praise for ‘HOPELESS’

‘Loved Leyla Josephine’s poetry in Hopeless…taking action in a world that seems beyond hope.’ – Lynn Gardener

‘A fascinating journey’ – British Theatre Guide

***** ‘This show has a real poignancy and it is obvious when it hits the audience, who, rightfully so, gave it a standing ovation at the end.’ – Broadway Baby

***** ‘…she is always magnificent. The ability to stun the audience to tearful silence moments after having them laughing heartily is a skill that is deployed expertly.’- The Wee Review

**** ‘…hopelessness is not what you shall be left with by the end of this new solo piece’ – The Skinny

**** “Hopeless” is an exceptional debut from an already brightly burning UK star. Already a force of stage, theatre, and screen, you should race to say ‘I saw Leyla Josephine first.’  – ScotsGay

**** ‘Leyla made the show come to life with her humour, poems and reflections on her own life, all which lead to one important message: Hope can’t stay in bed.’ – Voice Magazine

**** ‘Leyla’s performance is relaxed, welcoming, and effortlessly entertaining, and her prose is mesmerising and muscular. She’s a fantastic storyteller’ – Prague Youth Theatre Reviews