Plug-In: Exposed

After graduating with a Drama and Theatre degree, Laura Tellwright worked in Arts Fundraising and Programming, curating shows for world-class venues in Birmingham. She also explored the stand-up comedy circuit, performing at venues like Hot Water Comedy Club, The Comedy Store, and The Frog and Bucket and even winning a roast battle at The Bill Murray Comedy Club. Now a board member at Unity Theatre, she’s excited to be championing local talent. With experience in directing and producing, this February she is stepping into the spotlight with her very own show that she’s written and starring in.

Exposed follows Charlotte's journey through grief, after suddenly losing her dad to cancer. Through therapy, life, and dating she learns how to navigate a new life that's been permanently changed whilst finding joy. 

As she reflects on the moment everything changed, Charlotte's world unravels, her relationship ends, she quits her job, and moves back to Liverpool, only to face the shadows of grief through anxiety and depression. But amidst the darkness, she begins to find hope, learning that while grief lingers, it can evolve into something that lets her laugh and move forward again. This powerful one woman play, directed by Faye Caddick hits The Hope Street Theatre 6th - 8th February. We had an exclusive sit down with Laura to delve into 'Exposed'.

What inspired you to write exposed? 

My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2022 with very little symptoms. After just 8 weeks, he died. My life completely changed, grief overwhelmed me and I had many physical symptoms that doctors didn't recognise as 'grief'. I felt so alone, despite having good people around me - grief is so isolating. My grief journey has been difficult and changed the way I live. I wanted to write a play to expose the symptoms of grief and the way it shapes our lives whilst normalising conversations about death and grief. A topic we often find so difficult to talk about and many avoid. 

Can you tell us more about Charlotte's character and her journey throughout the play? What aspects of her personality make her relatable to the audience?

Charlotte is heartbroken and haunted by grief. She is physically and mentally unwell whilst trying to 'carry on' through her adult life that is really just beginning. Charlotte goes through a wave of different emotions in her grief journey - sadness, anger, happiness - but learns the importance of finding joy in each day. Charlotte is sarcastic and funny and tries to not take things too seriously. Charlotte is relatable to an audience because whilst grieving she still tries to do the normal everyday things in her 30's, such as trying to date and find love in Liverpool. A challenge many people experience! 

What can audiences expect? 

Audiences can expect honesty. The play is based on truth and my lived experiences, some of which I'm not proud of, but I hope it resonates with people, especially the anger when hurt and grieving. It can turn us into people we don't even recognise at times... 

She adds,

Audiences can expect laughter, fun and music and hopefully relate to some of the 'symptoms of grief' because if they haven't experienced it yet, they will. Because that's life - that's love. I really want people to know that whilst grieving, it's also ok to find moments of joy - grief isn't all sadness. 

I hope audiences take away a deeper understanding of grief, how it can impact people in different ways but also know how important it is to talk about loss and not avoid it. I hope it makes us more compassionate and understanding - to ourselves and other people. 

What role do the therapy sessions play in the story? 

There's a mix of good and bad therapy sessions in the play. The bad sessions show how important it is to have the right support around you, and the good sessions to create a sense of self-discovery and growth which doesn't just apply to grief but every area of our lives. The good therapy sessions encourage Charlotte to date again, to push herself out of her comfort zone. They also encourage Charlotte to be more open to newness and even spirituality - hope and finding moments of joy. 

How’s rehearsals going? 

Rehearsals are going well! It's a brand new show so me and Faye Caddick (Director) will be working and changing the script until we go on for the opening night. We've both experienced parental loss and are working collaboratively to ensure we expose grief truthfully to audiences.

she Adds,

 As the play is a true story, rehearsals can be emotional, challenging and difficult at times but we're channeling those feelings into the character with the hope we can normalise conversations around grief. 

What’s your hopes with exposed? 

We've chosen The Hope Street Theatre to debut the show as it's the perfect fringe theatre for new works - we'll learn what works and what doesn't by putting it on for 3 nights. We hope to then apply for funding to develop the show and take it elsewhere where it can resonate with different audiences. I'm referring to the show as a 'grief tool' and I really do hope it helps anyone experiencing loss - even if it simply makes them laugh in that moment. 

And there you have it, A powerful and heartfelt one woman play that delves into the raw, honest, and even humorous sides of grief and its impact on our lives. Exposed written by and starring Laura, is a mix of vulnerability, laughter, and hope as it explores life after loss. Directed by Faye Caddick, it’s running at Hope Street Theatre from February 6th-9th. Grab your tickets now.

Covered By, Megan Kay