Zen, Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll is a groundbreaking, immersive, multi-format production by singer/songwriter Sarah Jay Hawley.

Through song, prose, and encapsulating storytelling she takes us on a rollercoaster ride through her life: from growing up in dysfunctional poverty in a grubby northern seaside town, obsessed with music and inspired by neglectful alcoholic musician parents, to the excesses of international rock’n’roll tours, through to a powerful story of using music as medicine to help her recovery from a debilitating stroke.

Her memoire is now complete and looking for a publishing home.

(and they said I’d never read again 🙂

“Amazing!! Loved the blend of spoken word and music taking us on a journey through time, touching on the realities of life. The songs, visuals and live performances all worked really well together. At times I felt quite emotionally moved by the music and stories. Throughout there was a thread of positivity, that ‘it’s all ok’.”

“An awesome show! I didn’t want it to end! It was one of a kind with powerful stories …sounds and visuals combined to create a real and enchanting vibe. Sarah Jay’s voice was immense! Wow! …what a talented collection of women! There was a real buzz in the theatre, outside after the show too!”

“A very special gig, like we, the audience were taking part in something meaningful. Having worked in neuro rehab, it reminded me about what I loved about working in that area. The potential for recovery and the creativity and determination that comes out of that process is a privilege to witness and be involved with.”

“Sarah Jay has a beautiful soulful voice, and her expressive, spoken-word delivery has shades of many great vocalists, from Fiona Apple to Janis Joplin. I loved the textures and soundscapes woven throughout the performance, the humour in her lyrics, evocative of time, place, growing up poor, and love.”

“I loved it. It was really immersive and I felt alongside Sarah on her jouney. The visuals complemented the music well. Overall it was really inspiring, life-affirming and uplifting.”