Inside The Wire: Exposed

My theatre background is actually more behind-the-scenes! When graduating from University with a Drama and Theatre degree, I went into Arts Fundraising and Programming shows for world-class concert halls and venues in Birmingham. I also dabbled with the thriving stand-up comedy scene performing at Hot Water Comedy Club, The Comedy Store, The Frog and Bucket and winning a roast battle at The Bill Murray Comedy Club!

I’ve recently joined the board at Unity Theatre, and I’m delighted to be part of the team championing local artists and talent. Previous roles in theatre have been Director and Producer roles, so it’s super exciting (and very nerve-wracking!) to be stepping onto stage into an actor role – it’s a challenge for sure! But a fun one!

Rehearsals for Exposed are going well! Me and Faye Caddick (Director) are working hard to bring humour into a difficult subject with the hope to normalise conversations around grief and loss and show audiences it’s still important to laugh, even through moments of uncertainty and darkness. The play is based on a true story, the sudden loss of my dad and how this changed my life, so rehearsals, at times, can feel challenging and overwhelming with Charlotte’s (me) my story being so real, and still so very raw. It’s also extremely cathartic to reflect and find joy in these moments.

There’s a lot of work going on beyond rehearsals. As the writer of the play, and with Exposed being a brand-new piece of work, my writing is constantly tweaking (and will be until the first performance probably!) Because it’s just me performing in the show, I’m working with lots of wonderful local voice over artists to help tell this story – Samantha Walton, Michael Hawkins, Sean Erwood. The performance will feature videos, visuals and music. Music is a huge part of the performance and features songs that remind me of my dad. The aim of this performance is to expose people to grief – the good, the bad and the ugly. With grief comes lows but also many wonderful moments and I hope it brings people comfort, understanding and compassion. 

The rehearsal process for Exposed has been wonderful. It’s been as raw and as real as the plays content. From page to stage the play has transformed and will continue to do so until opening night; beautifully emulating the journey that is grief. I really hope Laura and this snapshot of lived experience get the bums on seats, they both very much deserve. - Faye Caddick