Invisible Thread Doorstep Gigs

The Invisible Thread Doorstep gigs are intimate acoustic performances featuring violin, guitar and song. Devised by Can’t Sit Still, these gigs are made to connect, uplift and celebrate new mums with babies up to 13 months old. The gigs are 15 minutes long and take place on doorsteps, in cul-de-sacs and outside blocks of flats. Families and neighbours are welcome to toe tap along.

If you live further afield but are keen for us to visit you, please get in touch and we'll see what we can arrange.

Can't Sit Still is a registered charity, number 1191401. We rely on donations, sponsorship and grant funding to make our work possible. If you would like to donate any amount, large or small, to help us reach more families, please click on the Golden Giving link on the left, and thank you!

Frequently asked questions:

How long is the performance? - 15 minutes
Where will it take place? - Outside the front of your house. When you book we will ask you to send us a picture of your front door or space you think the performance could take place. The show is adaptable to pretty much any situation!
Is this allowed under Covid restrictions? - Yes. From 29th March the rule of 6 outdoors begins. We have undertaken a full risk assessment (a copy of which is available on request) and have a number of Covid-19 protection measures in place.
What are these measures? - The performers will take a rapid lateral flow test on the morning of each day of performances. In the event of a positive test the gig will be postponed/cancelled. The performers will remain a minimum of 3m distance from you at all times. If the performers need to come any nearer than this they will wear face masks. The performers will sanitise their hands directly before and after each performance. The performances take place outdoors, greatly reducing the risk of contagion.
Will the performers wear face masks? - Yes, on arrival and departure. They will take them off to perform. As the gig takes place outside and they are a minimum of 3m away from you there is no need for them to wear masks during the performance.
Are my family allowed to watch or is it just for me and my baby? - Your family are more than welcome to join you.
Can I get my neighbours involved too? - Yes. As long as everyone stays within their own house/garden/driveway, neighbours are more than welcome to listen too.
What happens if my baby is asleep when you arrive? - This performance is as much for you as for your baby, and we tailor the gig to whoever we find in the audience. If your baby is asleep we can still go ahead and you can relax and enjoy the music with a sleeping baby.
What if I need to change/feed my baby during the gig? - You're more than welcome to do whatever you or your baby need to do whilst we're with you. In fact we want you to! If you need to go to the toilet we'll wait for you to come back to continue. If you want to feed or walk around whilst you listen that's fine by us. We're mums too and we know the score.
Can I buy a gig for a friend or relative who's a new mum? - Of course! It's a great idea. Just make sure they're going to be in at the time and date you've booked for!

Creative team

Devised by Catherine Boot, Hobbit, Julia Turner, Claire Northey and Laura McEwen
From an original concept by Catherine Boot

Julia Turner - musician and composer
Claire Northey - musician and co-composer
Hobbit - creative collaborator
Catherine Boot - director
Laura McEwen – designer
Jay Haigh - company manager
Alexa Gibbens - social media and marketing officer
Dominic Mallin - graphic design

First developed in 2019, Invisible Thread is a multi-layered programme of work that aims to have a positive effect on maternal wellbeing. We are delighted to have adapted this project to take place in Gloucestershire and South Bristol in Spring 2021, in response to the urgent need for support for people who’ve given birth during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With thanks to: Lancaster Arts, Little Treasure Toy Shop, The Mill Arts Centre, Circomedia, Arts Council England and Farnham Maltings, who supported the research and development of Invisible Thread in 2019.