‘What is grief except love persevering?’
Through poetry, comedy, and multidisciplinary storytelling, ‘Waves’ explores the profound impact of childhood bereavement, the resilience of sisterhood, and the bittersweet nostalgia of the 2010s London era—complete with CBBC,
kitchen discos, and long-distance facetimes.
Set in 2016 South East London, the play follows three sisters—Tansy, Mae, and Jasmine—and their older cousin Cleo as they navigate life after their mother’s death. Living together in a home where grief is unspoken yet ever-present, the girls find solace in each other. As the years pass, their world shifts again when their father moves them to New Zealand, forcing Cleo to grapple with another kind of loss—geographical and emotional distance.
Fast forward to 2020, the sisters have changed—accents lost, childhood memories fading, and identities reshaped by time and distance. ‘Waves’ explores the complex emotions of grief, belonging, and healing, asking: What does “home” really mean when it’s a place forever altered by loss?
Blending poetry, movement, and comedy, ‘Waves’ is a poignant yet joy-filled love letter to girlhood, memory, and the unbreakable bonds we carry with us, no matter how far we go.
‘Waves’ was developed through a six-month R&D as part of the National Youth Theatre’s 2025 Writers’ Collective. It was also selected among the top 10.5% of scripts submitted to the BBC writers room open call.
Target Audience: Young adults (18–35), especially women and non-binary people, who connect with sisterhood, girlhood, identity, and the messiness of grief that comes from losing loved ones and leaving home behind. For those who love new writing and heartfelt theatre with movement, poetry, and a dose of humour. And yes—CBBC kids who danced in the kitchen and still miss Tracy Beaker we’re looking at you.
Lion and Unicorn Theatre
14th, 15th and 16th August | 7pm
£14 / £12 Conc Buy tickets
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