Live music and storytelling weaves together the intricate life of May Morris (1862-1938), who designed some of the world’s most iconic Arts and Crafts patterns and championed the work of her father William Morris.
The solo actor-musician play follows threads from May’s unique bohemian childhood raised within the pre-raphaelite brotherhood’s artist community. At a time when the world was changing and industries were being transformed by new technology, the Morris family championed hand-crafted creativity.
Tragically, May’s sister Jenny develops severe epilepsy, destroying her dreams for the future and leaving her dependent on full time care and assistance. May’s resolve to make something of herself hardens and is fuelled by a desire to live for the both of them. We watch May step up to the role as manager of the embroidery department at Morris & Co at just 23 years old, campaigning alongside her father in the fight for equality, and navigating the breakdown of a loveless marriage. When her father dies, a battle to preserve his legacy begins, a pursuit that May believes will make her worthy of her inheritance. It is only later, after falling in love with Mary Lobb, her rambunctious Cornish gardener, that she recognises her innate value and her remarkable self.
A blend of original music and feminist history, THREADS OF MAY is a vivid tapestry of legacy, rebellion, and queer romance. Isabella Javor makes her debut as a solo writer-performer in her play Threads of May, and is particularly hopeful for future opportunities to perform the show beyond the Camden Fringe.
Threads of May
7pm Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 26th August 2026 – Etcetera Theatre
Tickets £15 – on sale now: https://camdenfringe.com/ev
Keep up to date with the Camden Fringe 2026 performances at www.camdentownlondon.co.uk
