Prostate Not Prostrate: The Comedy That Gets Men Talking (and Could Save a Life)
A hilarious, heartfelt new play by Lisa Jackson and Orchid Cancer Appeal about prostate cancer that gets men laughing, talking, and checking in on their health — because silence helps no one.
Developing Prostate Not Prostrate has been one of the most joyful, laughter-filled, and creatively rewarding adventures I’ve ever been on. What began as a spark — honest conversations about men’s health, humour, and storytelling — has grown, with the incredible support of Orchid Cancer Appeal, into a funny, heartfelt, and deeply human play that I can’t wait to share.
But this isn’t just a piece of theatre — it’s a tool to help save lives. Through laughter, warmth, and honesty, Prostate Not Prostrate encourages men to pay attention to their health and start the conversations that could make all the difference.
At its core, the play is about breaking the silence and stigma that too often surround prostate cancer. It’s told through a woman’s perspective because, so often, it’s the women in men’s lives who first notice the subtle changes — those extra trips to the bathroom, the small shifts in energy, the quiet signs that something isn’t quite right — and gently encourage men to get checked. That’s what we see in this story: a woman’s voice filled with love, humour, and concern.
The male character, meanwhile, remains largely silent — a creative choice that says so much. His quietness represents the silence many men keep about their health, and also mirrors how prostate cancer itself can go undetected for too long. Through humour and storytelling, the play gives voice to what’s so often left unspoken — transforming silence into connection, laughter, and life-saving awareness.
From the very beginning, Prostate Not Prostrate has been rooted in community. Working alongside an inspiring group of Nottingham Community Champions, we’ve built the story together — shaping its tone, humour, and emotional depth through shared experiences and open dialogue. Their voices are woven into every laugh, pause, and heartfelt moment. I’m especially thrilled that one of them, Osbourne Taylor, will appear in the production — bringing that authentic community spirit straight to the stage
This is a monologue-style comedy — full of belly laughs, warmth, and moments that stop you in your tracks. It celebrates the humour and humanity that help us face even the toughest subjects. Guiding the production is the brilliant Jim Findley, whose theatre work spans the Donmar Warehouse, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, and most recently, the West End production of Rivals at the Orange Theatre, London.
Working with Jim again feels like coming home. Years ago, he mentored me through Nottingham Playhouse’s BRIT (Black Regional Initiative in Theatre) programme, and to collaborate again now feels incredibly special. His creativity, care, and insight bring honesty and heart to this project in every rehearsal.
We recently held a community read-through at Nottingham Arts Theatre, joined by local champions and Ali Orhan, CEO of Orchid Cancer Appeal. The room was filled with laughter, openness, and a shared sense of purpose — a beautiful reminder of how theatre can connect people, spark real conversations, and, yes, help save lives.
As we move toward our first performance on Monday 1st December 2025 at Nottingham Contemporary, the excitement is building. I’m especially delighted to return to Nottingham Contemporary — the very place where I first brought the much-loved character Patty Dumplin to life back in 2012. It feels like a full-circle moment, and I couldn’t be more thrilledOur dream is to take Prostate Not Prostrate on tour across the UK — bringing it to community spaces, local venues, and theatres where these stories truly belong — using theatre as a tool to inspire awareness, early action, and conversation. Prostate Not Prostrate has been shaped by community, fuelled by laughter, and guided by care. It’s more than a play — it’s a celebration of humour and humanity, and an invitation for men everywhere to take charge of their health, open up, and share a few laughs along the way.
