THE PRESENTATION - A Play by Roger Goldsmith

The Presentation’- A new play exploring the impact of stammering

What happens when a moment that changes your life starts with struggling to get the words out?

The Presentation, a new play by local playwright Roger Goldsmith, comes to Portsmouth’s The Barn Studio Theatre from 1st–3rd October, telling a powerful story inspired by the writer’s own life.

While working as an engineer in the 1980s, Roger was giving an important presentation to a client when he stammered. The consequences were devastating: he lost his job. The experience stayed with him and has now become the inspiration for a play exploring the impact that the incident had not only on Roger, but also on his teenage son.

Directed by Peter McCrohan, the play stars Paul Andrew Goldsmith (no relation) and Finn O’Toole. It explores stammering, communication, confidence and the lasting effects that a seemingly single moment can have on a family.

The play has been supported by the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering and STAMMA UK

The play under a different name was produced in London in October 2025,

Tickets are £11, with concessions £6, and are available from Book Events,

‘The Presentation’ is made possible with support from Arts Council England, Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Creates.

The Presentation
The Barn Studio Theatre, Milton Road, Portsmouth, PO4 8PR
1st Oct 7.30 pm 2nd Oct7.30 pm 3rd Oct 2.30 pm
Tickets: £11/ £6 concessions (incl. booking fee)
Book: www.book.events.com  or The Barn Studio Theatre direct