Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak – Victoria Melody’s powerful new show that puts everyday legends centre stage

East Brighton Trust is proud to support Victoria Melody’s latest show, Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak; a powerful celebration of the everyday heroes in our community who are making an extraordinary difference.

Through storytelling, comedy, and her signature immersive style, Victoria shines a light on the grassroots fight for food justice, access to green spaces, and local resilience in Whitehawk. The show explores what happens when communities are let down by those in power and subsequently rise up with resilience, solidarity, and action. 

Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak was commissioned by Brighton Dome following Victoria’s tenure as 2024’s Our Place Artist in Residence in Whitehawk. The project Re-Enactment culminated in a free, community-driven ‘feastival’ at Crew Club and brought history to life, honouring the activists of the English Civil War era. 

Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak is directed by comedian Mark Thomas, and carries that same spirit, which amplifies real-life stories from past and present, and celebrates the strength and creativity of the Whitehawk community. 

The show’s already had a hit Edinburgh Fringe run, has been praised by many for its humour, warmth and radical spirit, and been described as a ‘joyful testament’ by The Guardian.

Victoria spoke about how the show was co-created with the community, with their stories and voices at its heart: “This show has been made with pure love and built with the community at every stage, from the knitted vegetables to the sounds collected in the show. People from Whitehawk have given their stories, feedback, and challenged me all the way through. Through this production, I wanted to show the great work people here are doing to keep each other afloat.”

The show’s soundscape was created by a group of talented young sound artists from the Crew Club, led by Simon James.

When asked what Victoria wants people to walk away thinking and feeling after the show, she told us: “I want people to leave feeling the joy in people and the beauty in community. The news is full of stories about monsters taking over the world, but this show offers an alternative narrative. It’s about the people on the ground, the ones quietly making genuine and positive change. I hope audiences walk away feeling moved, uplifted and maybe even a little more connected to the idea that we can look after each other, and that it’s already happening, all around us. I’d also love it if people felt compelled to get involved; that would be the dream”.

Commissioned by Brighton Dome, Victoria’s national tour of Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak launches at The Corn Exchange in Brighton on Saturday 4th October, and tickets are selling fast!