Bryony Kimmings Explained

Bryony Kimmings
Birth Date:30 March 1981
Nationality:British
Alma Mater:Brunel University
Known For:Performance art

Bryony Kimmings (born 30 March 1981) is a British live artist based in London and Cambridgeshire. She is an associate artist of the Soho Theatre,[1] and, in 2016, was commissioned to write The Pacifist's Guide to the War on Cancer for Complicite Associates.[2]

She creates multi-platform art works to provoke change.[3] Her work centres mostly around "social experiments",[4] which in the past have included the artist retracing an STI to its source,[5] spending seven days in a controlled environment in a constant state of intoxication[6] and becoming a pop star invented by a nine-year-old.[7]

She has performed at the Soho Theatre, London,[8] Kimmings' work has toured across the world including: The Southbank Centre, London,[9] BAC Grandhall,[10] Antifest (Finland),[11] Culturgest (Portugal),[12] Fusebox Festival (Texas),[13] Melbourne International Comedy Festival (Australia),[14] and Lisinski Operahouse (Croatia).[15]

Early career

Kimmings graduated with a degree in Modern Drama from Brunel University in 2003.[16] In a 2011 interview she said of her time at Brunel: "It was Live Art and the history of performance artists that excited me the most", and so immediately afterwards she established the company 'Glass Eyed' with friends. 'Glass Eyed' created work for two years before being dissolved.[17]

In 2006 she began Celebrityville a soap cabaret following the lives of forgotten celebrities living in a fictional town. A new episode was created every month between 2006 and 2008. Describing working on Celebrityville Kimmings said "this gave me a baptism of fire really, making such a large volume of work, learning about how to run a night, what to do if things broke half way through, making costumes, doing marketing - everything."[17] When Celebrityville ended, Kimmings began to explore a solo live art career with autobiographical themes.[17]

Shows

Performance work

As playwright

As screenwriter

Approach

Known primarily for creating autobiographical work, Kimmings achieved notoriety with her 2010 piece Sex Idiot.[99] In it, she revealed her sexual and her romantic history after discovering she had contracted an STI and told of the quest to find out which of her former partners had given it on to her.[100] She toured this show until 2015. In her 2011 piece 7 Day Drunk Kimmings collaborated with a team of scientists to analyse the impact of alcohol on her creativity.[101]

In an interview in March 2011, speaking of the drivers behind her work Kimmings said: "I guess in a way it is an artist's duty to say and explore the things that are untouchable, or hard to talk about."

In a 2012 interview for Pulse Fringe Festival, Kimmings introduces herself as "an artist who makes autobiographical work" she continues to say her work "always follows a kind of autobiographical experiment that I go on."[102] Her profile on the British Council of Drama and Dance website says: "Bryony works autobiographically and begins the development of her work with a social experiment. She is inspired by the taboos and anomalies of British culture and her work promotes the airing of her own dirty laundry to oil conversations on seemingly difficult subjects."[103]

Personal life

Kimmings was born in Huntingdon[104] and grew up in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, attending St Ivo School.[105] She has an older sister, whose then 9-year-old daughter inspired her to develop her 2013 show Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model.[105]

In November 2015, Kimmings gave birth to her son Frank. The boy's father was her fiancé at the time, Tim Grayburn. Frank was diagnosed with West Syndrome, a form of epilepsy, soon after he was born.[106] In her 2018 show I'm a Phoenix, Bitch, Kimmings processed how she experienced post-natal depression, had a severely ill infant and went through a break-up all in one year.[106] [107]

Awards

Sex Idiot

Fake it ‘til you Make it

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bryony Kimmings . Soho Theatre Company Ltd . 18 June 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160618200319/http://www.sohotheatre.com/writers/writers/bryony-kimmings/. 18 June 2016.
  2. Web site: A Pacifist's Guide to the War on Cancer . Complicite . 18 June 2016.
  3. Web site: Bryony Kimmings, performance artist, Fake It 'Til You Make It . Chrisanthi . Demos. The Weekend Edition . 18 June 2015 . 18 June 2016.
  4. Bryony Kimmings explores link between drinking with creativity . Madhumita . Venkataramanan . Wired . Neuroscience . June 2014 . 18 June 2016.
  5. Web site: Arts Interview Bryony Kimmings . Street Press Australia Pty Ltd . 26 March 2014. 18 June 2016.
  6. Web site: 7 Day Drunk – review . Lyn. Gardner. The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited . 20 August 2011. 18 June 2016.
  7. Web site: Lack of female role models? Make one up: Bryony Kimmings' homemade hero . Catherine. Love. The Guardian . 7 August 2013. 18 June 2016.
  8. Web site: Soho Theatre. Soho Theatre. en-GB. 2020-04-24.
  9. Web site: Southbank Centre . Southbank Centre. en. 2020-04-18.
  10. Web site: HOME - Battersea Arts Centre. www.bac.org.uk. en. 2020-04-18.
  11. Web site: ANTIFEST 2019. Trix Antwerp. en. 2020-04-24.
  12. Web site: Homepage. 2018-08-02. www.culturgest.pt. 2020-04-24.
  13. Web site: Fusebox. fusebox-festival. en. 2020-04-24.
  14. Web site: Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Melbourne International Comedy Festival. en-AU. 2020-04-24.
  15. Web site: Bryony Kimmings . Bryony Kimmings . 18 June 2016.
  16. Web site: Bryony Kimmings interview: Joke therapy . Evening Standard . Bruce. Dessau. 30 July 2015. 18 June 2016.
  17. Web site: Interview: Bryony Kimmings Talks Sex, Booze and Performance . RunRiot.com . 18 June 2016.
  18. Web site: Bryony Kimmings' I'm a Phoenix, Bitch to return to Battersea Arts Centre in 2019 WhatsOnStage. www.whatsonstage.com. en-GB. 2019-08-17.
  19. News: I'm a Phoenix, Bitch review – wacky, warped and wonderful. Gillinson. Miriam. 2018-10-09. The Guardian. 2019-12-11. en-GB. 0261-3077.
  20. Web site: I'm a Phoenix, Bitch. HOME. en-GB. 2019-12-11.
  21. News: Fake It 'Til You Make It at Edinburgh festival review – divides audience into smilers and sobbers. Gardner. Lyn. 8 August 2015. The Guardian. 9 February 2017. en-GB. 0261-3077.
  22. Web site: Fake It 'Til You Make It: Bryony Kimmings has made a drama out of her. 2015-07-19. The Independent. en. 2020-03-27.
  23. Web site: Fake It 'Til You Make It Review Theatre. Awde. Nick. The Stage. en-US. 2020-03-27.
  24. Web site: That Catherine Bennett Show - Exeunt Magazine. exeuntmagazine.com. Stewart. Pringle. 18 February 2014. 9 February 2017.
  25. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. www.bryonykimmings.com. 2020-03-27.
  26. News: Costa. Maddy. Play time: That Catherine Bennett Show – review. 2014-02-18. The Guardian. 2020-03-27. en-GB. 0261-3077.
  27. Web site: Festival — Imaginate. www.imaginate.org.uk. 2020-05-12.
  28. Web site: the egg — Theatre Royal Bath. www.theatreroyal.org.uk. 2020-05-12.
  29. Web site: Discover Children's Story Centre. Discover Children’s Story Centre. en-GB. 2020-05-12.
  30. Web site: Quarterhouse - Creative Folkestone. www.creativefolkestone.org.uk. en. 2020-05-12.
  31. Web site: Camp Bestival 2020. www.campbestival.net. 2020-05-12.
  32. Web site: The Why? Festival. www.whyfestival.co.uk. 2020-05-12.
  33. News: Edinburgh 2013: Credible Likeable Superstar Rolemodel - A bold. 20 August 2013. The Independent. 9 February 2017. en-GB.
  34. News: Gardner. Lyn. Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model – Edinburgh festival 2013 review. 2013-08-19. The Guardian. 2020-04-15. en-GB. 0261-3077.
  35. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. www.bryonykimmings.com. 9 February 2017.
  36. Web site: Heartache. Heartbreak.. Exeunt Magazine. 2020-04-15.
  37. Web site: Home. bushtheatre.co.uk. en-GB. 2020-05-12.
  38. News: The Good Neighbour, Battersea Arts Centre, review. Telegraph.co.uk. 9 February 2017. en.
  39. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. www.bryonykimmings.com. 2020-04-15.
  40. Web site: Sampled - Exeunt Magazine. exeuntmagazine.com. 9 February 2017.
  41. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. www.bryonykimmings.com. 2020-04-15.
  42. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. www.bryonykimmings.com. 9 February 2017.
  43. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. www.bryonykimmings.com. 2020-04-15.
  44. News: Bryony Kimmings, Southbank Centre - review. 18 March 2013. Evening Standard. 9 February 2017. en-GB.
  45. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. bryonykimmings.com. 2020-04-28.
  46. Web site: Motel Mozaïque – Festival (16-18 April 2020) & Concerts in Rotterdam. motelmozaique.nl. 2020-04-25.
  47. Web site: Harpenden Public Halls. www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk. 2020-04-25.
  48. Web site: Exeter Phoenix - Music Performance Art Digital Learning Film Cafe bar. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk. 2020-04-25.
  49. Web site: University of Chichester ShowRoom theatre, dance, performance. The ShowRoom Chichester. en-US. 2020-04-28.
  50. Web site: Home. Contact. en-GB. 2020-04-27.
  51. Web site: Home. Warwick Arts Centre. en. 2020-04-27.
  52. Web site: Soho Theatre. Soho Theatre. en-GB. 2020-04-27.
  53. Web site: THEATRE LINCOLN. Lincoln Performing Arts Centre. 2020-04-27.
  54. Web site: Colchester Arts Centre. Centre. Colchester Arts. www.colchesterartscentre.com. en. 2020-04-28.
  55. Web site: What's on. Wales Millennium Centre. en. 2020-04-28.
  56. Web site: Bristol Old Vic Theatre. Ltd. Supercool. 2020-04-29. Bristol Old Vic. en. 2020-04-29.
  57. Web site: 2019 FESTIVAL APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!. condiment. New Wolsey Theatre. 2020-04-29.
  58. Web site: Jacksons Lane. www.jacksonslane.org.uk. 2020-04-29.
  59. Web site: Latitude Festival 16th - 19th July 2020, Henham Park, Suffolk. Latitude Festival. en-GB. 2020-04-29.
  60. Web site: Assembly Festival · Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Festival. Assembly. www.assemblyfestival.com. en-GB. 2020-04-29.
  61. Web site: Cambridge Junction . www.junction.co.uk. 2020-04-29.
  62. Web site: Plymouth Theatre Performing Arts Workshops Barbican Theatre. Barbican Theatre, Plymouth. 2020-04-29.
  63. Web site: Brighton Dome Venues / Brighton Dome. Dome. Brighton. brightondome.org. en. 2020-04-29.
  64. Web site: Theatre, Music, Dance, Exhibitions Project Arts Centre, Dublin. Project Arts Centre. en-US. 2020-04-29.
  65. News: Sex Idiot Edinburgh theatre review. Gardner. Lyn. 2010-08-22. The Guardian. 2019-08-17. en-GB. 0261-3077.
  66. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. bryonykimmings.com. 2020-04-29.
  67. Web site: FRINGE WORLD Festival - 15 January - 14 February 2021. fringeworld.com.au. en. 2020-05-12.
  68. Web site: Adelaide Fringe - 1 May - 31 May 2020. adelaidefringe.com.au. en. 2020-05-12.
  69. Web site: Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Melbourne International Comedy Festival. en-AU. 2020-05-12.
  70. Web site: Southbank Centre . Southbank Centre. en. 2020-05-12.
  71. Web site: News Mesto žensk - City of Women. cityofwomen.org. 2020-05-12.
  72. Web site: Salvage Vanguard Theater. Salvage Vanguard Theater. en-US. 2020-05-12.
  73. Web site: Soho Theatre. Soho Theatre. en-GB. 2020-05-12.
  74. Web site: Concert Hall Vatroslav Lisinski Production and organization of top musical events. www.lisinski.hr. 2020-05-12.
  75. Web site: NST, Nuffield Southampton Theatres What's On Southampton. www.nstheatres.co.uk. en-GB. 2020-05-12.
  76. Web site: Colchester Arts Centre. Centre. Colchester Arts. www.colchesterartscentre.com. en. 2020-05-12.
  77. Web site: Exeter Phoenix - Music Performance Art Digital Learning Film Cafe bar. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk. 2020-05-12.
  78. Web site: ZOO Venues. ZOO Venues. en-US. 2020-05-12.
  79. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. www.bryonykimmings.com. 2019-12-11.
  80. Web site: Homepage. Forest Fringe. en-US. 2020-05-10.
  81. Web site: Home. Shambala. en-GB. 2020-05-10.
  82. Web site: Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Norfolk & Norwich Festival. en-US. 2020-05-12.
  83. Web site: Cambridge Junction . www.junction.co.uk. 2020-05-12.
  84. Web site: 2019 FESTIVAL APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!. condiment. New Wolsey Theatre. 2020-05-12.
  85. Web site: Home. Take Off Festival. en-GB. 2020-05-12.
  86. Web site: The Point Theatre in Eastleigh, Southampton Comedy, Film, Music, Dance. www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk. en-GB. 2020-05-12.
  87. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. bryonykimmings.com. 2020-04-30.
  88. Web site: NEWS. SHUNT. en-US. 2020-05-12.
  89. Web site: Home. Roundhouse. en. 2020-05-12.
  90. Web site: Home. Chelseatheatre. en-US. 2020-05-12.
  91. Web site: Whats on at The Basement. WhatsOn.brighton.co.uk. 2020-05-12.
  92. Web site: Bryony Kimmings Ltd.. bryonykimmings.com. 2020-04-18.
  93. Web site: Liverpool Playhouse. Visit Liverpool. en-GB. 2020-05-12.
  94. Web site: Northern Stage Theatrical Productions Limited. Northern Stage Theatrical Productions Limited. en. 2020-05-12.
  95. Web site: Complicite - A Pacifist's Guide to the War on Cancer. www.complicite.org. 2020-05-12.
  96. News: A Pacifist's Guide to the War on Cancer review – bold musical demystifies the disease. Billington. Michael. 20 October 2016. The Guardian. 9 February 2017. en-GB. 0261-3077.
  97. Web site: The Boys' Project: The Undergrowth. 2017-05-05. Royal Court. en-US. 2019-12-11.
  98. News: Pulver . Andrew . George Michael-inspired 'holiday romance' film Last Christmas in the works . 14 August 2019 . The Guardian . 19 July 2018.
  99. Web site: Sex Idiot. www.bryonykimmings.com. 2019-08-17.
  100. Web site: Interview: Bryony Kimmings, Sex idiot - Theatre. Time Out London. en. 2011-03-18. 2019-08-17.
  101. Web site: 7 Day Drunk. www.bryonykimmings.com. 2019-08-17.
  102. Web site: An Interview With Bryony Kimmings . Pulse Fringe Festival/youtube . 18 June 2016.
  103. Web site: Bryony Kimmings . British Council . 18 June 2016.
  104. Web site: Bryony Kimmings: 'I didn't know anything about musicals but I love fannying about' Interviews. Shenton. Mark. 2016-10-20. The Stage. en-US. 2019-08-17.
  105. Web site: Interview: Bryony Kimmings. 2015-08-06. Beyond The Joke. en. 2019-08-17.
  106. Web site: Bryony Kimmings on rising from the ashes and having no taboos. 2018-09-05. Evening Standard. en. 2019-08-17.
  107. Web site: Bryony Kimmings. thebryonykimmings.tumblr.com. en. 2019-08-17.
  108. Web site: Bryony Kimmings. exeunt. 18 June 2016.
  109. Web site: Best of the year 2010: off-West End and fringe theatre. https://archive.today/20130204192056/http://www.timeout.com/london/gallery/733/best-of-the-year-2010-off-west-end-and-fringe-theatre/7. dead. February 4, 2013. Time Out Magazine. 18 June 2016.
  110. Web site: Fringe World Concludes with Awards Ceremony. 2015-02-23. OUTInPerth - LGBTIQ News and Culture. 2019-08-17.
  111. Web site: The best, the rest and the most distressed. 2015-03-13. www.adelaidenow.com.au. en. 2019-08-17.
  112. Web site: Award Winners. Fringe Fund. en-US. 2019-08-17.
  113. Web site: 2015 Adelaide Fringe wraps up as Festival Awards announced. 2015-03-16. Australian Arts Review. en-AU. 2019-08-17.
  114. Web site: Edinburgh awards 2015 - Who won what? WhatsOnStage. www.whatsonstage.com. en-GB. 2019-08-17.
  115. Web site: Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award 2015 Shortlist Announced. www.amnesty.org.uk. 2019-08-17.