Auntie Empire

By Julia Taudevin 

Auntie is a sweet old dear. All she wants is to regale us with tales of dear old Blighty, but her body is falling to bloody bits. Oh dear. Someone ought to clean that up.  

Auntie has gathered us all to relive and celebrate our glorious shared past, but unfortunately she also has some tragic, terrible, and most pressing news. And she needs your help. 

An absurd and rambunctious solo show blending bouffon comedy, satire and audience interaction, Auntie Empire is a bloody, messy, hilarious and timely lampoon of the myths of nationhood. 

Auntie Empire is supported by Creative Scotland, and Summerhall Arts. It was originally developed through a Summerhall Lab, an IASH creative fellowship and Traverse Theatre commission and in association with Jordan & Skinner with direction from Caitlin Skinner and Melanie Jordan and Paisley Arts Centre and One Ren. The character can also be seen in the short film Auntie Empire directed by Niamh McKeown and Julia Taudevin.

Creative Team

Lead Artist – Julia Taudevin 
Bouffon Director – Tim Licata 
Dramaturgs – Sara Sharaawi and Kieran Hurley 
Sound Designers – Niroshini Thambar and Nik Paget-Tomlinson 
Lighting Designer – Emma Jones 
Puppetry, Effects and Costume Designer – Fergus Dunnet 
Costume & Puppetry Effects Maker – Gretchen Maynard-Hahn 
Photographer and Graphic Designer – Brian Hartley 
Trailer Creator – Connor O’Toole 
Production Manager – Rosie Ward 
Producer - Wezi Mhura

Will preview at Dundee Rep before performing 8th and 9th FEBRUARY 2026 at MANIPULATE FESTIVAL