Experience a trailblazing and deeply moving new theatrical production as I Was Always Here comes to Mayflower Studios on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August 2026! Presented by Theatre For Life in collaboration with Beyond Reflections, this electrifying verbatim play weaves music, digital storytelling, and cabaret to take audiences on an intergenerational journey through trans+ histories—from 1920s speakeasies to the 90s club scene and beyond.
Show Schedule & Timetable
Performance dates and showtimes for I Was Always Here at Mayflower Studios:
- Saturday 29th August 2026: 7:00 PM BST
- Sunday 30th August 2026: 11:00 AM BST & 2:30 PM BST (Post-show discussion following the 2:30 PM performance on generation language and trans+ histories)
- Running Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes with no interval.
- Venue Location: Studio 2, Mayflower Studios, 142–144 Above Bar Street, Southampton (SO14 7DU).
Ticket Information & Pricing
Ticket tiers and promotional group rates for Mayflower Studios:
- Standard Ticket: £15.00 per person.
- Young Person (Under 16): £12.00 per ticket (£3.00 off standard price).
- Group Discount (10+ tickets): £12.00 per ticket (£3.00 off per person).
- Companion Tickets: Essential carer and access companion passes are available via the venue box office.
About the Production
Key details and creative background for this verbatim theatre project:
- The Narrative: Blending music, digital storytelling, cabaret, and live performance, this intergenerational verbatim play explores trans+ histories—ranging from 1920s speakeasies to the 90s club scene and gothic literature.
- Creative Team & Partners: Developed by Theatre For Life in collaboration with Beyond Reflections, Southampton Pride, and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Written by Kit Miles and directed by Michelle Smith.
- Content Advisory & Warnings: Explores trans+ lived experiences, including themes of discrimination, violence, mild sexual references, occasional strong language, and flashing lights.
Venue Amenities & Facilities
Services and facilities offered at Mayflower Studios:
- Foyer Cafe & Bar: Serving warm beverages, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks before all performances.
- All-Gender & Accessible Restrooms: Fully accessible, step-free toilets situated across the venue floors.
Accessibility & Special Requirements
Access guidance for visitors attending Studio 2 performances:
- Step-Free Access: Direct ground-level street access from Above Bar Street into the main box office and foyer, with lift access to Studio 2.
- Wheelchair Seating: Dedicated wheelchair positions and step-free companion seats inside the studio space.
How to Get to Mayflower Studios
Transport links and travel guidance for Mayflower Studios:
- By Foot: Located in Guildhall Square within Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, adjacent to the City Art Gallery.
- By Train: Southampton Central Station is roughly an 8–10 minute flat walk via Commercial Road or Civic Centre Road.
- By Bus: Local routes stop right at Guildhall Square or the nearby Civic Centre bus stops.
- By Car: Accessible via the M27 (Junction 5 or 3) and M3 (Junction 14), following signs toward Southampton City Centre/Cultural Quarter.
Parking Information
Parking options near Mayflower Studios:
- Civic Centre Forecourt Car Park (SO14 7FW): Pay-and-display parking bays right outside Guildhall Square.
- Grosvenor Square Multi-Storey (SO15 2BE): Multi-storey car park located a 5-minute walk from the venue entrance.
- West Park Multi-Storey (SO15 1FZ): Convenient public parking located nearby along West Park Road.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest theater shows, verbatim plays, live performances, and weekend entertainment near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is I Was Always Here performing at Mayflower Studios?
- The play runs on Saturday 29th August 2026 (7:00 PM) and Sunday 30th August 2026 (11:00 AM & 2:30 PM).
- Where is Mayflower Studios located?
- The performance takes place in Studio 2 at Mayflower Studios, 142–144 Above Bar Street, Southampton (SO14 7DU).
- How long is the performance?
- The show runs for approximately 1 hour 15 minutes with no interval.
- Is there a Q&A or panel discussion?
- Yes, there is a post-show panel discussion following the 2:30 PM performance on Sunday 30th August focusing on generational language and trans+ histories.
- How much are tickets?
- Standard tickets are £15.00. Tickets for young people under 16 and groups of 10 or more are £12.00 each.
- What themes or content warnings apply to the show?
- The production explores trans+ lived experiences and includes themes of discrimination, violence, mild sexual references, occasional strong language, and flashing lights.
- What parking options are near Mayflower Studios?
- Convenient parking is available at Civic Centre Forecourt Car Park, Grosvenor Square Multi-Storey, and West Park Multi-Storey car parks, all within a 5-minute walk.
- Is Studio 2 accessible for wheelchair users?
- Yes, Mayflower Studios has step-free street level access, lifts to all studio floors, and dedicated wheelchair positions in Studio 2.