The Story Behind the Story

Created by Lorna Jones—award-winning Trichologist, Founder of C & Hair CIC and Creator of Barbershop Uncut Stories—this powerful theatre production was born from a simple question: How do we encourage more men to talk about their health?

While developing the annual C & Hair Cancer Conference, Lorna was searching for a theme that would resonate with men and inspire honest conversations. During a conversation with Jeff Thompson, founder of the Cancer Don't Let It Win support group, he shared a simple but profound insight:

"If you get men in the right environment, they will talk all day long."

That conversation became the spark behind Barbershop Uncut Stories.

A Vision to the Stage

Drawing on years of supporting people affected by cancer and cancer-related hair loss, Lorna recognised that the barbershop had always been far more than a place for grooming. It is a trusted community space where friendships are built, stories are shared and conversations flow naturally.

For generations, barbershops have been places where people connect, exchange experiences and speak openly about life. Lorna saw the potential to transform these everyday conversations into a powerful theatrical experience—one that would use the familiar setting of the barbershop to explore prostate cancer, men's health and wellbeing through authentic lived experiences.

Her vision was never simply to create a play. It was to create a platform where communities could learn, reflect, challenge stigma and discover that talking openly about health has the power to save lives.

Barbershop Uncut Stories brings together real experiences, theatre and health education to highlight the importance of awareness, early conversations, support and the need to listen to the stories of those affected.

The Creative Collaboration

To bring her vision to the stage, Lorna partnered with BAFTA award-winning director, writer and producer Rochelle Newman, whose ability to tell authentic human stories made her the ideal creative collaborator.

Rochelle is the co-founder of New Duke Films, a production company dedicated to developing and producing compelling stories across film and theatre. Through this creative platform, Barbershop Uncut Stories has been developed within a production environment that values authentic storytelling, social impact and meaningful human narratives.

Working alongside Lorna, Rochelle translated the creator's vision into a compelling theatrical production, shaping real-life experiences with honesty, sensitivity and emotional depth. Her creative direction ensured that every voice remained authentic, respected and emotionally engaging for audiences.

Lorna's expertise in health and community engagement formed the heart of the production, while Rochelle's creative direction, writing and theatrical vision transformed those stories into an unforgettable audience experience.

Together, Lorna's vision and Rochelle's artistry created a unique production where the barbershop became the stage, lived experiences became the script, and meaningful conversations became a catalyst for change.

More Than a Performance

The result is Barbershop Uncut Stories - a powerful fusion of creativity, culture and community that places the trusted barbershop centre stage. It is a production that encourages conversations, challenges perceptions and empowers people to recognise the importance of early diagnosis, support and shared experience.

It demonstrates what is possible when creative health and storytelling becomes a catalyst for raising awareness, understanding and effecting lasting change.

More than a theatre production, Barbershop Uncut Stories is an invitation to start conversations, challenge stigma, celebrate lived experience and recognise that the stories we share have the power to change, and even save, lives.