Show guidance and content warnings

We aim to provide our audiences with the most complete information about our shows, to ensure you have the best experience when you visit the Bush Theatre.

We put together written documents called Self-Care Guides. These are provided as PDFs and contain detailed information about our shows, so that you can find out more about what to expect. You can access these guides by clicking on the link on the event page for each production – click the link that says ‘Self-Care Guide and Content Warnings’. 

Our approach to content warnings

We believe that content warnings should be precise, objective and accessible, and that content warnings are a tool to enable audiences to make informed choices in order to engage with our productions on a more equitable footing.

We include links in pre-show emails and some key content guidance will be included on signage in our building as you enter the performance space.

What are self-care guides?

Self-care guides include deeper information about:

  • the story of the show
  • content guidance (sometimes called ‘trigger warnings’)
  • technical elements including lighting, sound and special effects
  • helplines and support related to the themes of the show
  • the performance space and access information
  • information about ways to look after yourself before you watch, while you’re at the theatre or after the play.

As our shows are new and in development right up until press night, these details can change as the production is made. We update the info as and when we know more about each show.

Please note that by discussing the content of the show, this information will contain key plot points and descriptions of what happens in the performance.

Why ‘self-care’?

Self-care is a choice to listen to our needs and look after ourselves, so we are able to keep going and live our best lives, despite the difficulties we experience in life and how they make us feel.

The concept of self-care comes from the Black Feminist movement, and our approach has been informed by that of other companies, particularly Clean Break and Nouveau Riche.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Box Office team: