The Cultch Presents
BATSHIT
Leah Shelton & Quiet RIOT (Australia)
Created by Leah Shelton
Directed by Ursula Martinez
A daring, poignant and darkly comic one-woman tour-de-force that rips the lid off the myths of female madness.
25/26 CULTCH PRESENTATION
WARRIOR FESTIVAL
Canadian Premiere
FEB 11–15, 2026
HISTORIC THEATRE
Approximately 50 minutes with no intermission
Recommended for ages 14+
This work references mental illness, institutionalised medical treatment, ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) and grief. It also contains occasional coarse language, sexual references, a moment of audience interaction, haze/smoke effects, loud noises, bright lighting flashes, strobe lighting effects, full blackout.
Historic Theatre
1895 Venables St,
Vancouver, BC
Phone:604-251-1363
Email: [email protected]
Summer Hours
Monday to Friday: 12–4pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Photo Credit:Joel Devereux
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About the show
Hysterical, hormonal, deluded, irrational … Throughout history, women have been silenced, sidelined and pathologized by a simple label: “crazy”.
Batshit is a wildly theatrical, darkly comic, and deeply intimate reckoning with the myths and misconceptions of female madness.
A requiem for Leah’s grandmother Gwen, who was incarcerated for seeking independence in 1960s Australia, Batshit draws on personal stories, in-depth research and pop culture to unpack how psychiatry has been shaped by gender bias.
Created by Leah Shelton (AU) and directed by Olivier award-winning Ursula Martinez (UK), this one-woman tour-de-force tears apart the labels used to control and undermine women through razor-sharp wit, raw storytelling, and unflinching performance.
Warrior Festival Support
The Draw
SHOW CREDITS
Produced by Leah Shelton & Quiet RIOT (Australia)
Creator / Performer:
Leah Shelton
Director:
Ursula Martinez
Writers:
Leah Shelton & Christine Shelton in collaboration with Ursula Martinez
Touring Co-Producer & Agent:
Linda Catalano (Quiet RIOT)
Sound Design:
Kenneth Lyons
Lighting Design:
Jason Glenwright
Costume Design:
Leah Shelton
Set Design:
Leah Shelton with Freddy Komp
Video: Grace Uther (video content) & Freddy Komp (live feed, projection, systems design)
Set & Lighting Construction:
Freddy Komp & Stephen Rowan
Scenic Arting:
Shaun Caulfield
Production and Stage Manager:
Freddy Komp
Conceptual Collaborators:
Lisa Fa’alafi & Daniel Evans
Dramaturgical Consultant:
Saffron Benner
Choreographic Consultant:
Kate Harman
Pre-recorded vocals by Naomi Price & Hugh Parker
Voiceovers by Christine Shelton & Leah Shelton
Reviews
TRAILER
SUPPORTed BY
This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body. Developed with the assistance of Metro Arts & Vulcana.
TICKET PRICES.
Section A+:
$49
Section A:
$44
Section B:
$39
Section C:
$29
Ways to Save.
The Cultch Connects Program provides complimentary tickets to community organizations and social service groups. It also offers complimentary tickets to individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to attending Cultch performances. To request Cultch Connects tickets, please email [email protected]
This program is made possible with the support of our generous donor community. Learn more about what your donation can do for our community.
Complimentary tickets are available for Indigenous patrons thanks to the support of the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation.
Use promo code INDIGENOUS to book up to two complimentary tickets. Those who wish to book tickets for a larger group or family can contact [email protected]
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25/26 SEASON
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