Sam Gilroy: Belly Flop

A highly physical comedy about diving head first into motherhood, Belly Flop is a semi-autobiographical solo performance that is unapologetically, self-indulgently, work. Join Sam for a well earned hour away from her kid, to applaud the UK’s invisible, unpaid workforce, raising the next generation. Expect mum dancing, myth busting and talking a lot of sh*t.

Belly Flop is the first solo show by North Devon-raised theatre-maker, Sam Gilroy, who has previously performed with local Theatre Workhouse, Multi Story Theatre and Burn the Curtain - all in 2023 whilst breastfeeding her 6 month old baby.

Sam first trained as a dancer in Braunton with Dancing Feet and in Ilfracombe with Make the Move, going on to study a Masters in Performance with University of Chichester. She has performed at the Fringe Theatrefest with Lucy Freeman 2014 & 2015, and with Ben Wisken and Liv Riley in 2017. Since then, Sam has been funded by Arts Council England, and has presented her work in cafes, pubs, at Winchester University, Bournemouth’s Pavilion Dance South West, City Eye’s Southampton Film Festival, and MAST Mayflower Theatre. Sam is a collaborator with Above Bounds Theatre Collective, making exciting and accessible theatre for young people.

Sam’s recent work includes producing and creating midscale theatre shows that amplify female voices of all ages to represent 50% of the population, using real-life stories, comedy, movement and poetry. Sam also runs dance and sensory workshops for 0-3 year olds and their grownups, check out her website to get involved!

Review:

‘Belly Flop’ – rage, love, and hope.

Sam Gilroy is a dancer, a teacher, a leader…and a mother.

She is navigating a new chapter of life, riding the ups and downs of parenthood, wrangling a toddler, and trying to stay true to herself.

In Belly Flop, her first show at Fringe TheatreFest, Sam invites us to navigate motherhood with her using her skills in movement, interweaving comedy with playful physical expression. This is a no-filter performance: there is labour, and there are poonamis; there are tender moments of childhood play, and frustrating doctor’s appointments; there is simultaneous loneliness and joy; and there is rage, love, and hope.

Sam has fabulous stage presence and is passionate in her performance, calling for equality, understanding, and a better, kinder, more effective support network for mums. She is calling out for change and celebrating mothers of all kinds, using her skills as an artist and engager to seek solidarity and send a message.

This show has absolutely come from a very personal place, and has the distinct feel of having been created by a woman spinning many plates, managing many identities, and juggling many feelings.

Whether you are a mum wanting to feel less alone and seeking solidarity, someone who is supporting a mother in your life and looking to understand their experience, or simply a lover of dance and performance with a passionate and personal core, Belly Flop is for you.

Full list of all Fringe Extra, Barnstaple, performances here.