Gill Simmons
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gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Gill Simmons
@gillmsimmons.bsky.social
220 followers 260 following 150 posts
Co-AD Brave Bold Drama
linktr.ee/bravebolddrama | 👀 also companyofinternationalartists.com | theatre | sound design | musician | community arts | working class | neurodiverse | Equity member | 100% freelance | she/her
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gillmsimmons.bsky.social
No pasarán!
Colour photo of a statue of a woman on a pedestal in a long dress, standing firm with legs apart and two fists raised above her head, face turned to the sky. Under the pedestal it says Better to die on your feet than live forever on your knees. Dolores Ibarruri (La Pasionarí). Under that on the supporting pillar it says THE CITY OF GLASGOW AND THE BRITISH LABOUR MOVEMENT pay tribute to the courage of those men and women who went to Spain to fight Fascism 1936・1939 2.100 VOLUNTEERS WENT FROM BRITAIN 534 WERE KILLED, 65 OF WHOM CAME FROM GLASGOW Trees and a light grey sky beyond.
June 27, 2025 at 10:41 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
This is an incredible documentary about women war artists from the Second World War to the present day.

www.conic.film/films/warpaint
Colour photo of a postcard on a pale wooden table. On the postcard a black and white photo of an Iranian woman in a black hijab with Arabic text written across her face and holding a long rifle directly in front her nose so it bisects her face. Yellow text superimposed says WAR PAINT WOMEN AT WAR A MARGY KINMONTH FILM
June 25, 2025 at 11:00 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Cubist Gnomes
Colour photo of two square white plastic bollards on a road junction. Each bollard has a red traffic cone balanced on top. Green trees beyond.
June 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
“Art in school EVERY DAY!”
Agent Kahlo of the @agentskahlodali.bsky.social found this quotation in a children’s manifesto in the Filwood Times and just HAD to turn it into a badge!
June 15, 2025 at 8:02 AM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
“It’s been brilliant!”

I recently finished a series of weekly storytelling workshops I’ve been running on behalf of Bristol Improv Theatre at Filwood Community Centre for the last 2 months.

We explored many improv techniques and how these can be deployed in lots of different creative contexts.
A colour photograph of two people in a community space doing a theatre improv exercise. On the left of south Asian man in his 30s wears loose black cotton trousers over a black knee length tunic. He has dark short hair and a dark beard and stands hunched over leaning on an imaginary walking stick. On the right a young white woman in her 20s with long black hair wearing a black longsleeved top and a black skirt with red floral print. She is mimicking the pose of the man. A colour photograph of two people in a community space doing a theatre improv exercise. In the foreground a tall white man in his 40s with a dark green T-shirt and short dark hair and glasses stands with his hands on his hips, leaning backwards with a proud expression. Beyond a white woman in her 20s with long black hair, wearing a long sleeved black top and a black skirt with red floral print mimics the man’s pose. A colour photograph of two people standing at a low coffee table in a community space. On the table a green tombola decorated with yellow diagonal stripes. On the left a young white woman in her 20s with long black hair wearing a sleeveless black and white floral dress leans over the tombola about to reach inside it. On the right a tall white man in his 40s wearing a dark green T-shirt and spectacles holds a small piece of paper. He has just drawn out of the tombola. A colour photograph of two people in a community space in the act of a theatre improv exercise. They are both sitting. On the left a young white woman in her 20s with long black hair wearing a sleeveless black and white floral dress smiles at the man sitting next to her. On the right a tall white man in his 40s wearing jeans, a dark green T-shirt and spectacles mines holding an ice cream cone and looks at the woman with a smile. In front of them another chair covered with small slips of paper. Some other slips of paper are scattered on the floor at their feet.
June 15, 2025 at 7:48 AM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Spotted some top-tier and much-needed messages from D.F.T.E in Bristol recently.

#streetart #mentalhealth #anxiety
A black and white photograph of a large portrait orientated blackboard. Written in white the words your anxiety is lying to you. The white paint used for the letters runs and leaves little vertical trails on the blackboard. The blackboard is fixed between two wooden fence posts. A black and white photograph of a large portrait orientated blackboard. Written in white the words don’t believe everything you think. The white paint used for the letters runs and leaves little vertical trails on the blackboard. The blackboard is fixed between two wooden fence posts.
June 15, 2025 at 7:42 AM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Had a blast hosting The Improv Jam tonight at Bristol Improv Theatre

We had vampires on a first date, a professor who went diving with Pygmy goats, a man so committed to his work he took the phrase “finger-licking good” to a whole new level, & a period drama finale.

Bring it, I say. Bring it ALL!
A colour head and shoulders selfie of a white woman in her 40s. She has dark curly shoulder length hair dark eyes was a white vest top and large silver hoop earrings. She is smiling. Behind her red theatre curtains and golden fairy lights.
June 5, 2025 at 10:39 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Coming to the Improv Jam tomorrow at Bristol Improv Theatre?

Chuffed to say I’ll be hosting the evening, so bring your best game, yeah?

improvtheatre.co.uk/upcoming-sho...
A composite image. Background photograph of a row of seats in a theatre with a wooden floor in front. Superimposed a yellow ticket with the words Bristol Improv Theatre in black. Also superimposed in white the words improv jam and social Head and shoulders selfie of a white woman in her 40s with dark curly hair tied up, a black bandana tied round her head, green feathery earrings and a black wool jacket with a white collar. She has dark eyes. She is in front of a pale stone building on white is a black vinyl banner with the words Bristol Improv Theatre in white.
June 4, 2025 at 10:14 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Jenna Ortega is worried my cat won’t make the jump
Colour photo of a large TV on top of a dark wooden piano. On the screen a still from the film Death of the Unicorn featuring the a mid-shot of the actor Jenna Ortega, a thing white dark-haired woman wearing a red hoodie. She is staring with one hand up to her mouth in a worried expression. A small tabby cat is in front of the TV on the edge of the piano about to jump off.
June 3, 2025 at 9:04 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Took myself for a walk it was great
A colour photograph. A head and shoulders selfie of a white woman in her 40s with dark curly hair tied up on top of her head. She is wearing round sunglasses and a black T-shirt. She is standing in the sunshine with fields trees a blue sky and clouds behind her. A colour photograph of a wooden vertical green sign with the words west tanpit wood written in white. A Woodland behind the sign. A close-up colour photograph of some pink Campion flowers with out of focus green leaves behind. A close-up colour photograph of some bluebells with out of focus green leaves behind.
June 2, 2025 at 9:16 AM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Took advantage of a sale at @thesparkdotcompany.bsky.social
A black and white head and shoulders photo of a white woman in her 40s with dark eyes wearing a black T-shirt on which is printed in white the words girls late diagnosis ADHD club meetings held at some point. A black and white head and shoulders photograph of a white woman in her 40s. Only the bottom half of her face is visible she is smiling. She is wearing a white vest top on which is printed in black. I insight this meeting to rebellion Emily Pankhurst 1912.
June 2, 2025 at 9:13 AM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
This poster is by @paulavarjack.bsky.social
I bought it ages ago.
It still helps me.
A black and white photograph of head and shoulders of a white woman in her 40s. She has dark curly hair tied up on top of her head dark eyes and is wearing dark lipstick and a black vest top. She is leaning her head against a pale wall. On the wall is a poster. The title of the poster is manifesto for artists in a crumbling arts economy. She is looking straight to camera and isn’t smiling.
May 22, 2025 at 9:31 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Youngest is very keen on musicals at the moment, so we caught this one tonight at Bristol Hippodrome.
Colour photo taken at night of the front of a large pale stone building. Illuminated in red at the top the word hippodrome. Underneath a large square poster featuring six black and white photographs of actors playing roles in the musical Chicago. Underneath the poster the word hippodrome illuminated in yellow against red.
May 20, 2025 at 10:46 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Happened upon a Banksy…
Black and white photo of a brick wall. On the wall in a slightly raised smiling curve, in black block capitals it says you don’t need planning permission to build castles in the sky. Part of the text goes over a metal roller shutter and a round light.
May 19, 2025 at 4:44 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Watched Battle Lines by the mighty Banner Theatre last night.

A blend of historic & contemporary footage & powerful, playful, & poignant new folk songs.

The show seeks to educate, delight, empower & mobilise & it nails the lot!

Also great to see @acornunion.bsky.social representing.

Bravo! 🙌
A colour photograph of a small stage set up for a music and film performance. Projected on a screen in the centre the words battle lines in yellow on a red background. Underneath the screen a large banner with silhouettes of a crowd. The crowd are carrying protest signs saying strike renationalise the NHS and tax the rich. In the foreground various union flags including education unions. A colour photograph of a small stage set up for a music and film performance. Projected on a screen in the centre the words A CELEBRATION OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1984/85 MINERS' STRIKE A CELEBRATION OF KEY WORKING CLASS STRUGGLES OF TODAY! Also projected on the screen a black and white photograph of women marching with banners saying coal not dole and a colour photograph of Amazon workers demanding a workers union. Underneath the screen a large banner with silhouettes of a crowd. The crowd are carrying protest signs saying strike renationalise the NHS and tax the rich. In the foreground various union flags including education unions.
May 17, 2025 at 10:37 AM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Caught The People’s Carriage by Dhaquan. Collective today. Within a large Bristol cab you’re surrounded by voices, music & ambience as you hear interviews with Bristol’s taxi drivers.

I hope it tours one day to other parts of the city, especially the places that are name-checked in the interviews.
Colour photo of a white woman in her 40s with dark curly hair tied up, large round purple sunglasses and a pink teeshirt that says true to myself on it in grey stands in front of a large dark blue taxi cab with its doors open which is parked on some hard standing in front of a graffiti-covered grey breeze block wall. Colour photo of an A frame display board. Text says Dhagan Collective presents The People's Carriage Wednesday 7-Thursday 8 May 20225 What can a taxi ride tell you about a city? Step into the intimate world of Bristol's cab drivers in The People's Carriage - a captivating immersive sound and light installation that traces their journeys across the city. Through music, personal narratives, and the varying shades of passenger encounters, this project uncovers Bristol's many layers, through the voices of those who know it's streets best. The People's Carriage is part of Confluence - a long-form residency project. Since December 2023, MAYK has invited artists from across Bristol to explore the changing city and to think about how we navigate these places we call home. Over the next few months three more artists - Howl Yuan, Ramelle Williams and Iman Sultan-West - will also share the fruits of these creative investigations with audiences in sites and locations across the city. Duration: 35 minutes Triggers: Please kindly note the piece touches on stabbings, sexual harassment, violence and war.
May 7, 2025 at 9:04 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Showcased our latest script The Mexico Mission! at The Script’s The Thing 2 today, a festival of new writing at @dorchesterarts.bsky.social
When I’m in Dorchester I go to The Horse With The Red Umbrella. Such a friendly place, everything is delicious & the building has an amazing theatrical history
Black and white photo of a white woman in her 40s face with dark curly hair tied up and large round sunglasses. She’s smiling in front of a white vinyl sign saying Dorset Festival of Scriptwriting The Script’s The Thing 2 Dorchester Arts Black and white photo of a white woman in her 40s with dark curly hair tied up, dark hair and wearing a fake fur smiling while standing across the street from a large three storey brick building with white framed windows. The name of the cafe is painted over the door The Horse With the Red Umbrella
May 3, 2025 at 8:31 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Solidarity with the workers! ✊

labourday.shop/1st-may-inte...
Pale grey background. A graphic of a red clenched fist. In black overlaid the text 1 May Happy Labour Day
May 1, 2025 at 1:04 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Made a suggestion to some primary schools yesterday using this artwork as a stimulus.

Me: What if you want to eat his nose because it’s a pear?

Student 1: (visibly shocked) ugh, what?

Student 2: very worldly-wise) It’s drama. It’s supposed to be mental.
An oil painting of a head and shoulders in profile facing to the left constructed entirely of fruit and plants: torso is a wooden barrel, face is made of pears, apples, grapes. A wheat-ear beard. A mushroom ear. The head is a white squash and the hair is vine leaves. Black background.
April 29, 2025 at 11:48 AM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Recorded some voiceover with Eggbug Studios today. It will end up on an animation illustrating research about the role of artists. They wanted authentic Bristolian. Which was my first voice.
Colour photo of a white woman in her 40s with dark curly hair tied up on top of her head, and dark eyes. She standing in a white soundproof booth by a silver microphone on a stand behind a black circular pop-shield. She wears a green jumper and feathery green dangly earrings and is smiling.
April 24, 2025 at 9:42 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Making The Mexico Mission!
was absolutely a team
effort.

But I did do all the sound design and music, so it was really affirming to see two young people from different performances write this on their feedback.

(I’d share a bit of the music, but I don’t want it scraped by AI)
Photo of two handwritten feedback forms completed after a theatre show. One says 10/10 music was great. acting fabulous. The other says I really liked the music and that is was interactive.
April 19, 2025 at 1:18 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Few snaps from our Dorset tour of The Mexico Mission! by @bravebolddrama.bsky.social

1: lighting check in Gillingham Library
2: post-show paddle in Swanage
3: the view from Swanage
4: drying my costume where we’re staying
Colour photo of a white woman in her 40s with dark curly bobbed hair standing in a library with interior brick walls. She’s wearing an orange teeshirt that says hola hola hola on it in white and is lit in a purplish theatre light Colour photo of white feet with peppermint nail varnish standing in very shallow clear seawater over dark sand. Shadow of legs and torso seen on the sand. Calm clear sea with small waves breaking. Green cliffs beyond. Blue sky. Late afternoon sunshine. Theatre costume hanging on a washing line in a large garden. On the left a short-sleeved orange dress with an embroidered panel at the front made of black squares surrounding bright blocks of lime green, pink and blue. On the right a leopardprint catsuit. Evening sunlight. White fence and green hills beyond.
April 19, 2025 at 1:14 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Just finished a sequence of Casa Azul being locked down for the night into a quiet back street of Mexico City with crickets chirping and the occasional distant dog that I’ve been hearing in my head for ages now, but as of today it actually exists!

#sounddesign #theatre #mexico #fridakahlo
Black and white photo of a white woman in her 40s wearing black plastic framed spectacles and a horizontally-striped black and white jumper sits at a desk wearing large headphones. On the desk a laptop, microphone and in the background a keyboard
March 2, 2025 at 5:37 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Really cracking into the sound design for @bravebolddrama.bsky.social The Mexico Mission! now as the first performances are not that far away.

#sounddesign #theatre #mexico #fridakahlo
Black and white head and shoulders photo of a white woman in her 40s with dark eyes and tied back dark hair wearing black plastic-framed spectacles, a black and white horizontally striped jumper and headphones. A window behind her has a small raffia rainbow decoration hanging from the window handle.
March 2, 2025 at 5:37 PM
gillmsimmons.bsky.social
Thinking a lot about the rage of Eliza today. For various reasons.

“Just you wait, ‘enry ‘iggins, just you wait!”
Black and white still from the film My Fair Lady. A white middle aged man with dark slicked back hair wearing a shirt, tie, cardigan and tweed trousers stands leaning on the banister of a set of wooden library stairs, looking mildly exasperated. Next to him, a younger white woman with dark tied-back hair wearing a long sleeved white blouse, a white black belt and a long dark skirt, stands hands on hips, looking angrily at the man who is avoiding her gaze.
February 23, 2025 at 4:49 PM