A Cumbrian-born theatre maker will perform her one-woman show, billed as a queer, dark comedy with no filter, in the build-up to Kendal Pride.

Taking place at The Venue at Bowness Bay Brewery in Kendal It is what It is, written and performed by Kyra Scott, explores themes as varied as sexuality and existentialism, right through to chippies and vibrators, taking the audience on a journey of emotions in a thirty-minute show that guarantees tears and laughter.

The show follows Isobella, a foul-mouthed Northern lass tackling the hardships of being an 18-year-old in the 21st century.

Faced with a sealed envelope, she battles with the decision of whether or not to open it, a decision which is sidetracked by an abundance of oversharing. 

Hilarious moments are countered with sincere and honest conversations about her struggles with mental health.

In these moments the audience recognises Isobella’s confidence as a guise for her pain.

Speaking about the show Kyra said: “I’m really excited to bring this show back to Kendal for what will hopefully be another sell-out performance – and to do it at Kendal Pride makes it even better.

“I crafted the character of Isobella to tear down stereotypes and normalise stigmatised conversation, and I hope that no matter who is in the audience, they can relate to at least one moment. 

“My intentions with the piece were to be bold and outspoken, to show others that you should be able to voice your struggles without being punished.”

As a recent acting graduate, Kyra performed her debut show for the first time at 53two in May 2023 and has since performed it twice in Cumbria, selling out both shows.

Taking solo to the next level, Kyra is not only the writer and performer but has produced the entire project and developed all technical aspects of the production.

Jamie Hooper, chair of Kendal Pride, added: “We’re thrilled to be able to have ‘It is what It is.’ as part of this year’s programme.

“Supporting artists who are from here is a big part of what we’re all about and we’re sure that people will laugh, cry and everything in between when they experience what Kyra has created.”

Kendal Pride has been funded for 2024 by Arts Council England, National Lottery Awards for All, Kendal BID, Kendal Town Council, Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commission, and is sponsored by Herdy, the Westmorland Family, Douglass Grange and Anord Mardix.

In the coming weeks the team behind the festival, billed as ‘pride done differently’ – will reveal more of the programme with many events and activities free of charge.

It is what It is will be at The Venue at Bowness Bay Brewery in Kendal on Wednesday, June 12, at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £5 per person.

Also on sale now Kendal Pride’s Big Pride Party tickets are priced at £20 per person, with more details about the free elements of the programme to be released soon.

For more information about Kendal Pride, or to book tickets, visit www.kendalpride.co.uk