Patty Dumplin Returns: Bold Funny Play on Prostate Health

Writing Prostate, Not Prostrate has been a beautiful, surprising journey. Usually, Patty Dumplin encounters are improvised, so to have the opportunity to sit down and write meaningful dialogue for her — especially on such an important and timely subject — has been truly special.

Thanks to Orchid Cancer Appeal, who commissioned this play, I’ve been able to explore a topic that affects so many, particularly in communities where awareness is still low. Orchid understands the importance of reaching everyone — especially Black men, who are statistically most at risk and often at a younger age.

The Writing Journey

I started writing this play in January of this year, and it’s been pure joy from day one. When I’m writing as Lisa Jackson, it’s as though the characters start to take on lives of their own. They speak, I listen — and sometimes I even find myself surprised (and laughing!) at what they say.

When I reach that point — when Patty starts talking back to me — I know the story will resonate. I trust that what makes me laugh, think, or feel deeply will do the same for the audience.

A Woman’s Point of View

The play is told from a woman’s perspective, because often it’s the woman who first notices subtle changes in a man’s health — and becomes the driving force for resolution.

We follow Patty on a journey that begins outside a toilet in a shopping mall, then moves to a GP surgery. Along the way, we learn about her everyday challenges, family secrets, and moments of humour that only life itself could write.

The play is contemporary and modern, touching on everything from men’s health and the COVID-19 pandemic to Hurricane Melissa, scam callers, scooters, and even the Windrush generation and hints at the ongoing conversation around compensation.

Here’s a little taste — a line that always makes me smile:

Patty:

“Yuh ever start notice a pattern wid people dem?

Like, same thing over an’ over?

(Pointing her thumb to the toilets)

Toilet excursion!

Mid-shop, mid-conversation, mid-night — three, four times.

Every drip an’ flush, mi hearing it.

Him no tink mi nuh notice,
but him bladder a chat him business louder dan him 'mout!”

That’s Patty — honest, observant, and full of love.

Tickets - PAY WHAT YOU CAN or FREE - Donations go to Local champions to support ongoing work in the community

Join Us for the Premiere

Come and experience Prostate, Not Prostrate at Nottingham Contemporary on Monday 1st December.

• Café Bar opens at 5:30pm with drinks, music, and health information stalls.

• Performance starts at 6:30pm, followed by a post-show discussion with Ali Orhan, Chief Executive of Orchid, and Orchid’s Nottingham Community Champions, managed by Mon0lisa Productions.

Our Champions have been instrumental in developing this play, and one of them will even make a guest appearance as Patty Dumplin’s husband!

The production is directed by the brilliant Jim Findley, an actor and director I deeply admire. Jim is currently rehearsing for the West End play “Rivals” at the Orange Theatre by RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN directed by TOM LITTLER, a top-tier cast —Patricia Hodge, one of our leading stage actors and widely known from Miranda, and Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet), yet still finds the time to call, check the script, and guide the direction.

One Woman, Many Voices

As a creative artist, writer, actor, and director — my name says it all: Mon0lisa — one woman, many voices. Sometimes the creative road can feel lonely, but not this time. I’m blessed to have a fabulous team — the Orchid Champions,Ali and Jim — all on this big tour bus with me.

After our first showing, we hope to take Prostate, Not Prostrate further afield — perhaps even adapting it for radio to reach more people and continue these essential conversations.

Because men’s health matters.
Because laughter and truth can go hand in hand.
And because Patty Dumplin always has something to say — loud, proud, and straight from the heart.