What's Next - The True Story of Harriet Quimby

Victoria Lucie plays Harriet Quimby. Photo by Jack Boskett.

Discover the true story of Harriet Quimby, a brand new original drama written by Matt Roberts and directed by Tom Stabb. What’s Next opens at Old Joint Stock Theatre Birmingham on 17 May before heading to The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, then the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, followed by a tour of another six theatres around the UK.

What’s Next is being staged by Middle-Weight Theatre. Based on historical events, this compelling one-woman play is about Harriet Quimby, a groundbreaking character in aviation history who broke cultural standards and reached new heights as the first woman to receive a pilot's licence in the United States.

This thrilling new production sheds light on an often-overlooked historical milestone: the awe-inspiring adventure of the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel.

What's Next, Middle-Weight's latest production. Photo by Jack Boskett.

Playing the title role is Victoria Lucie, who made her West End debut playing Miss Casewell in London’s longest running play The Mousetrap. Other stage credits include The Night Pirates, (The Rose Theatre, Kingston and National Tour), The Importance of Being Earnest, Charley’s Aunt, The Hound of the Baskervilles and many more with The Worcester Rep.

Victoria Lucie said: “I am not only honoured to be asked to play such a strong and pioneering woman of history, but hugely excited to be reunited with old friends and new at Middle-Weight Theatre after performing with them in 2015.”

Director Tom Stabb said: “Seeing a new piece of theatre come together is always a special process. What’s Next? is no exception, literally elevating things to a whole new level.”

Writer Matt Roberts said: “Harriet Quimby's story is an amazing and inspiring one - and I'm so happy I've been able to play a part in bringing her achievements to the attention of a modern audience."