About the show
I'm Holly Gifford and Big Little Sister is my debut solo show—an honest, surreal, and darkly funny look at growing up with a sibling with disabilities. It cuts through the sugar-coated “inspirational” stories we’re used to, and instead dives into the messier, more human stuff: love, guilt, grief, and joy.
There’s multimedia, strange sketches, and even real dialogue voiced by my brother’s communication aid. But as I tell our story, I start to wonder—am I giving him a voice, or filtering it?
This is my first ever show. The story is deeply personal, but the themes are universal: how do we carry love, shame, humour and resentment all in the same sibling bond? What happens when the world only wants one version of your story? And can you make art out of the things you were told not to talk about?
It’s weird. It’s heartfelt. And we need your help to take it to the biggest arts festival in the world.
If you can chip in—even a little—it makes a huge difference. Thank you!
Audience testimonials:
‘It was beautiful. As someone who's sister is autistic, I could relate to a lot of the themes of siblings having to act as parents and the resentment that can build. This play navigated that experience with such thoughtfulness, that I was on the verge of tears by the end.’ - Jahrhys Greenidge
‘The truth, the originality, the story that’s what made it powerful. Holly brought realness. A raw, unfiltered connection. You felt her love for her brother in every word, every breath. There was no performance, only presence. She didn’t just tell a story she invited us into it. And we followed, willingly, because it was honest.’ - Michelle Hope
'A beautiful, intimate and hilarious sharing of sibling love.’ - Tamara Davis
Access
We’re thrilled to be partnering with Extant to provide Enhance access performances for blind and visually impaired audiences. While this support is hugely valuable, it doesn’t cover all the access costs required for a show like ours. And for a story like Big Little Sister, it's not just an extra—it’s fundamental. It’s vital that the audiences this show is about are also the ones who can access it.
What We’re Raising For
Taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe is exhilarating—but it’s also expensive. This crowdfunder will help cover the core costs of making Big Little Sister happen, including:
- Venue Fee – £2,500
- Fringe Registration – £399
- Accommodation – £1,500
- PR & Marketing Support – £2,000
- Technical Operator – £1,000
- Print & Promotion (Flyers/Posters) – £500
- Rehearsal Space – £500
- Access & Inclusion Support – £400
- Costume / Props / Set – £400
One of my biggest goals is to pay everyone involved fairly. I’m lucky to be working with some outrageously talented creatives—and their time, labour, and artistry deserve proper recognition.
If you’re able to support Big Little Sister in any way—financially or by sharing this page—I’d be so grateful.
Thank you for helping me bring this messy, joyful, quietly rebellious little show into the world.
See you in Edinburgh.
❤️ Holly
