No Apologies

No Apologies is a radical mis-remembering of Nirvana’s iconic 1993 MTV Unplugged concert.After a critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival in 2025 (winning the Bragi Award for creativity and artistic excellence and a Besties Award for new writing) this brilliantly witty and emotionally powerful show embarks on a major world tour.Urgent and politically sharp, No Apologies is a spectacular collision between theatre and grunge, autobiography and alternate history, weaving together threads of pop culture with mythology and ritual, fuelled by the experience of coming-of-age in the nineties.Written and performed by Emma Frankland, multi award-winning writer for theatre and TV.

With spectacular direction from Harry Clayton Wright, featuring original music and an anarchic sound score by punk composer Keir Cooper, produced by Marlborough Productions - nationally and internationally recognised producers of queer-led, intersectional performance.No Apologies is commissioned by Marlborough Productions.

Supported by Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, The Old Electric, Northumbria University and Arts Council England.★★★★★ 'An unplugged, queer seance for past loss, wrapped up in a powerful call for unapologetic trans hope for the future!' - To Do List★★★★★ 'A genre-defying, intermedia performance blending live music, movement, poetry, and pyrotechnics.

It’s raw, political, emotional and unforgettable.' - The Nerd Party★★★★ 'This ruddy gorgeous show is a call to live your life on your own terms and to the very full, and whether you are trans or not, that’s a lifesaver in every way.' - The Stage★★★★ 'A defiant and arresting show.

No Apologies delves into the act of wishful thinking, deftly questioning the impact of what might have been.

Frankland is a captivating raconteur...' - Fest★★★★ 'Frankland is a formidable performer, totally focused on doing and saying exactly what she wants to do and say.' - ThreeWeeks'This is precisely the kind of fearless, formally inventive, emotionally devastating theatre the medium needs.' - The Theatre Times'Heartfelt, funny, dazzling, but also seamed with pain.

There’s something uncanny about how her voice moulds itself to Cobain’s, bringing a crackle of vulnerability to the stage.' - Exeunt MagazineHelp us offer you more exciting work by making a donation today.