Grief, Comedy...and Squirrels? Surrey-born writer brings her new show to London

How would you describe this show to someone who has never seen a play in their life? Yes, We’re Related is a fast paced, chaotic dark comedy about grief. It centres around two sisters reuniting on the anniversary of their mother’s death, when things are not as they seem. It explores how people grieve, and when you think you know what the show is about, it will surprise you with something nuts.At its core the show has a lot of heart, and particularly in the second half, the show doesn’t shy away from the pain of grief.

What was the writing process for this like? I started writing Yes, We’re Related over a year ago, not really knowing that it would eventually become a fully-fledged play. I began with a version of scene one, about two dysfunctional sisters reuniting after not seeing each other for over a year, and the younger sister hiding a squirrel in her bedroom. I performed the first draft at a scratch night in London, and remember saying after the show that I wanted to write the rest of these two sisters’ stories. After months of various plot lines, I finally landed on the heart of the show, which was a story about two sisters dealing with grief. Grief can be an uncomfortable topic for a lot of people, but there is also a lot of comedy in how someone grieves. I adore comedy, and the actual process of writing this show has been so fun, and incredibly liberating as an actor. The other reason why I love this show, is that no character is alike, and both sisters are fundamentally the opposite of each other. It has served as a lovely way to present how two siblings can grieve the same person but in a very different way.

What is the most interesting thing you learnt in the process of writing this show and taking it to Edinburgh? Be brave with your writing. Through all the various drafts I have written, and there have been A LOT, the stuff that I’ve always kept are the moments that are really unexpected. I’ve also learnt that too many gags does not a comedy make. I have had to learn to cut moments that I think are hilarious but do not serve the plot, and especially when you are writing for a 50 minute slot at the Edinburgh Fringe, every line counts.The most interesting part of taking the show to Edinburgh was how controversial squirrels are. Our marketing strategy was to wear squirrel masks down the Royal Mile – of course! It was incredibly effective, and by the end of the fringe people were referring to us as “that squirrel show”. The majority of people love squirrels so were really happy to approach us and see the show, but we did have a few people who...weren’t the biggest fan of furry animals, including one lady who shouted “I hate squirrels, I think they should all be shot!”

You are partnering with Sue Ryder for this London transfer, why do you think it is important that we talk about grief in the arts? Grief is something everyone experiences in their life, and it is also something that a lot of people find understandably really uncomfortable to talk about. It has been so incredible to work with such a wonderful charity like Sue Ryder, who have provided us with unparalleled resources and advice on bereavement for our audiences. I think it’s super important to talk openly about grief so that people feel seen and heard. According to Sue Ryder, “…86% of people who have experienced a bereavement told them they felt alone in their grief”. I think the arts is a wonderful way to bring people together, and give space to create a community, as well as platform topics which some people might find uncomfortable to discuss, but hopefully will create change on how we approach and view those difficult topics.

We have to ask, why squirrels? Do you think the countryside living in Surrey impacted this at all?I love this question… One of the themes around grief that fascinates me is reincarnation, and something that frequently came up when I was researching was how different people grieve, and that some people connect animals with someone they’ve lost. For example, a lot of people commonly connect birds such as robins to a loved one. And in my research I found out that sometimes people connect to squirrels.On a less serious note, I also thought the idea of someone trying to get a squirrel out of the bedroom was chaotic and funny, and something which I know has happened to friends. Who knows, maybe growing up in Surrey did subconsciously sway me to choose a squirrel over say something like a badger… but also from a logistical point of view it made the most sense.

And lastly, when and where can people come see Yes, We’re Related? You can see Yes, We’re Related at The Other Palace Theatre, London from 12th-17th November 2024. You’d be nuts to miss us!