Welcome to Gooper Dust Productions — buckle up for theatre that takes you places.
Feel Big. Dream Wild. Drive Change.
Feel Big. Dream Wild. Drive Change.
We make stories for people who care deeply and think boldly. If that’s you, you’re in the right place.
Reality Bites at
Arches Lane Theatre
Gooper Dust Productions launched last summer with a successful run of Jamie Christian’s play, Reality Bites, a story of four strangers whose lives change after an extreme dating show airs on Christmas Eve.
We hosted several post-show panels moderated by former Senior NPR journalist Daniel Zwerdling, and featuring Reality TV stars Nick Thompson (Love is Blind), Julius Cowdrey (Made in Chelsea) and Tim Wilson (The Circle). Psychotherapist Silva Neves (Sex on the Couch, Made in Chelsea) and Heather Barker (Samaritans) brought in the mental health perspecitive to invite audiences to reflect on the real life consequences of the show’s themes.
10 First Dates at Etcetera Theatre
THIS WORK IN PROGRESS PRODUCTION RECEIVED THREE AWARDS NOMINATIONS:
BEST NEW PLAY - STANDING OVATION AWARD
BEST PERFORMANCE (MARK PARSONS) - STANDING OVATION AWARD
BEST DUO PERFORMANCE - FRINGE AWARDS
She survived marriage. Dating might finish her.
After 25 years of marriage, Maggie Callahan finds herself newly single and thrown into the chaotic world of modern dating. Armed with nothing but a martini and a sense of humour, she endures 10 wildly different first dates, from a narcissist obsessed with selfies to a spiritual guru who won’t stop trying to balance her chakras. As Maggie faces the absurd realities of dating apps, mismatched personalities, and midlife crises, she begins to realize that love is more complicated—and hilarious—than she ever imagined. 10 First Dates is a comedic exploration of relationships, self-discovery, and the unexpected joys of being single.
PRAISE FOR TEN FIRST DATES:
“Rose’s writing is witty, sharp and convincing.”
- A Young-ish Perspective
“This piece is fast-paced and funny, and gives a nod to some more serious themes, such as misogyny, sexual assault, self-worth, and the struggle to connect with others in our modern age.”
- London Pub Theatres Magazine
“Shipler Chico gives a smart performance, allowing the audience to empathise with her confusion, loneliness and desire.”
- London Pub Theatres Magazine
“Parson’s characterisation is excellent.” - A Young-ish Perspective
“Gooper Dust Productions’ stated aim, voiced by founder Laura Shipler Chico, is to create shows that make you think without telling you what to think, and Reality Bites very much succeeds at that.”
Get to
know us
Every story we tell starts with a question: What if this could change someone’s day — or their whole outlook?
Gooper Dust Productions makes theatre that matters - stories that entertain, stir empathy, and move the dial toward a kinder world.
We believe artists should be paid fairly, creativity should spark connection and that art is a bridge - not a bubble.
Luis Donegon Brown
Reality Bites
Photo credit: Tunde Euba