A Monkey Trial: The Gameshow or the true and tragic passion of Pauline Campbell
source: 4WardEverUK
republished: 14 July 2025
Image Credit: St John Mckay
A Monkey Trial by St John Mckay is a reenactment of the criminal trial of a real-life feminist activist martyr, Pauline Campbell.. but presented as a television game show. With talking monkeys, and with you as the jury deciding her fate.
“A bold concept that has been cleverly pieced together … McKay is a showman, who plays up to the crowd, involving us and questioning us as the story develops.”
— Alex First,
itellyouwhatithink.com
St John Mckay said; "I’ve been working on the piece for 5 years now and 4WardEverUK's writing on Pauline was amongst the unfortunately slim volume of work I sourced as inspiration and information, and I thank you for your spirited support of such an incredible woman."
Advisories & Tickets:
- Audience participation, Strong language/swearing, contains distressing or potentially triggering themes (Aged 14+ Guideline)
- Buy a ticket in advance to guarantee entry or pay what you want at the venue.
- All ticket sales go to criminal justice nonprofits.
About Pauline:
Pauline Campbell was found dead on 15 May 2008, not far from the grave of her daughter Sarah. Sarah died in January 2003 in HMP Styal.
Pauline was committed not just to campaigning but also to helping INQUEST’s work in supporting bereaved families. She was one of a number of bereaved parents who turned their own personal loss into sustained campaign action and protest.
4WardEverUK said; "Pauline had been a tireless campaigner against the deaths of women in custody since the tragic death of her own daughter, Sarah, in 2003."
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