Glitch

Pam Stubbs has been sub-postmistress of Barkham Post Office for over twenty years, respected and loved locally in equal measure. But when unexplained discrepancies start appearing in her accounts, Pam finds herself caught up in one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British legal history.

This new work, specially commissioned by Reading University, is a first-hand account of Pam’s inspirational story.

Ahead of the full-scale touring production in 2025, RABBLE Theatre and the University of Reading are pleased to present Glitch, the true story of the Horizon scandal.

Writer – Zannah Kearns
Dramaturg – Beth Flintoff
Directors – Gemma Colclough and Gareth Taylor
Composer – Benjamin Hudson
Designer – Caitlin Abbott
Lighting Design – Oliver Welsh
Publicity Design – Rebecca Pitt

Glitch was commissioned by Professor Robert van de Noort CBE and Professor James Devenney at the University of Reading. It is based on an original concept by Elizabeth Conaghan.

Running time: 1 hour.

The Story of the Project

In 2022, the University of Reading’s School of Law contacted RABBLE Theatre to ask if we’d be interested in developing a new play based on the largest miscarriage of justice in English legal history.

RABBLE tell local stories of national significance and on hearing that the story was based on Pam Stubbs, who was a local sub post mistress until her life was shattered by the Horizon scandal, we agreed that this was a project that very much suited our aims.

Zannah Kearns has created a script that deals brilliantly with the complexities and emotional challenges of the story. Over the last year, Zannah has worked with our associate writer Beth Flintoff (Henry I, Matilda the Empress, Henry II, The Last Abbot) and RABBLE’s creative team to develop the script, soundtrack and movement style at a first stage development process. This process also included students from both the University of Reading’s Film, Theatre & Television Department and the School of Law. We are grateful for funds received from the University of Reading’s Community Fund and Arts Committee which have enabled the play’s development and staging.

We are now excited to be staging this version of the production ahead of a planned national tour next year.

For more information on the show, head to our website.