Former student’s play a must-see at the Burton Taylor Studio

Former Cheney student and writer Hannah with actor Sophia Razvi who plays Molly.

‘As good as any of the great plays I’ve seen at the Edinburgh Fringe’

‘This needs to be seen as a standalone piece, and also for those who have gone through similar experiences.’

Just two of the audience quotes from last night’s Q&A with the writer, the actor, and the Director of Cancer B*tch!, an autobiographical one-woman play written by former Cheney Sixth Former and student Hannah Ali Khan. 

The play is about Molly, who finds out she has thyroid cancer having discovered a lump in her throat aged 24. The audience is taken on a journey from the waiting room for the first pre-op appointment, to a post treatment holiday, with all of Molly’s thoughts and emotions in-between, as well as how those around her treat her differently. It’s honest and tender, but also funny, and makes you think.

Hannah explained in the Q&A after last night’s show, ‘I was over 18 when I was diagnosed, but in my early twenties, still navigating my way as an adult’. I had just started my Masters course in Drama Writing, balancing my degree, making friends and exploring a new city with my treatment. Writing the play was a way to help me deal with the whole experience.

Sophia Razvi plays Molly in the one-woman show brilliantly, including adapting the stage for each scene, and with the audio visuals, and a great modern soundtrack, the script is really brought to life in what is an ‘outstanding’ production—one not to miss!

First shown at The Offbeat Festival in Oxford in September 2024, the play runs, thanks to Arts Council Funding, it’s second night, tonight  at the Burton Taylor Studio in Oxford.

The play will then be performed at the Barnfield Theatre in Exeter for 1 night on 5th November as part of the Elevate Festival. 

Many congratulations to Hannah on such a great play. We look forward to hearing about the next one!