Billie's story is one of escape and extremes. We focus on her turbulent life and her struggle to cope with poverty, violence, racism, alcoholism, drug abuse and a painful childhood, almost inevitably leading to successive abusive relationships in her adult life. When stripped of Hollywood tinsel, we see and understand the woman who was Billie Holiday. Not only a cultural icon but, through her songs, a beacon of hope to millions; from her traumatic childhood in the back streets of Baltimore to the colourful jazz scene of New York's café society and Harlem's Apollo theatre, all leading to a tragic yet moving premature demise at the age of 44.| 4 Jul 09 | Byre Theatre St Andrews, Fife Performance Details => Venue archive |
