Tiff, CJ and Charlotte From Apricity Theatre tell We Love Brighton about their Fringe show: Let’s Unpack That.
Please tell us about your show:
Tiff – Let’s Unpack That is a wacky delve into my actual diary from 2007. As an adult, reading back my deepest darkest thoughts at 11 years old was so revealing of the time period, sad and funny in equal measure I just had to make a play about it. Part theatre, part stand up, you’re welcomed into my childhood bedroom and hear all about my crushes, my opinions on life (there are a lot of them) and my worries and fears (there are way more of them). My hope is that reflecting on my tween years and poking fun at myself will make it easier for us all to look at our former selves with a more fun, appreciative and caring lense.
CJ – It’s about healing and about finding who you are in the face of a world that tries to tell you to be something different – whether that’s queer, neurodivergent, or just trying to enjoy a grab bag of salt n vinegar Discos and a big bar of chocolate every now and then!
Who is your show for?
Tiff – If you were a youngster in the noughties you will be hit with a lot of nostalgia bombs. Anybody that felt confused and out of place at school (so most of you, or at least that’s what I tell myself). I also hope there might be some current youngsters out there that might want to hear all the cringey things I used to say and think as a naive teenager and feel a little better about the confusing times of being that age – don’t worry, we’ve all been through it!
CJ – Other than everyone who has ever been a young person and felt confused or at odds with the world, I think a lot of parents of teenagers (past, present or future) would appreciate this show. It’s revealing and will make you face some hard truths about the world we’ve created and the hang-ups we risk passing onto the next generations. I hope it would also give them hope that no matter what they go through, teenagers (and the adults they grow into) are resilient and brave enough to break out of the moulds that society tries to build around us.
Why should people come and see it?
Tiff – If you want to watch me embarrass myself revealing things about myself you wouldn’t admit on your death bed, have a good laugh for an hour, and go away reflecting on all the strange things you also thought as a kid, this is the show for you.
Charlotte – I remember Tiff sending me a voice note about her ideas for the show over a year ago, and now seeing how far it’s come makes me so proud of her. It’s so much fun and so tender, and truly is a love letter to our younger selves.
CJ – Because it will make you wet yourself at things that were once painful, feel rage at things we used to think were totally normal, and fill you with fire to heal your inner child.
Have you performed at the Fringe before?
Tiff – This is my first time at Brighton Fringe and I’m so excited! I’ve previously done Camden and Bath Fringes with different shows. Nothing beats the community vibe of a bunch of creatives all together supporting each other. (Ex theatre kids unite!)Charlotte – I’ve only ever done Edinburgh so I’m ready to branch out into the other fringes of the world.
What do you love about Brighton Fringe?
CJ – Even as a bunch of people who have never actually performed at Brighton Fringe before, we can’t help but already feel the love! It feels like a space that is brimming with community and creativity. It’s bringing us so much queer joy to see pages like Dyke Night Brighton like our posts (and to like theirs) – we also hope their karaoke night will be a feature of our visit!
What do you love about Brighton?
Tiff – The art scene, how accepting and fun the vibes are. And I love fighting seagulls.
Charlotte – I was down a few months ago with another show but didn’t get a chance to explore much, so I’m looking forward to finding some hidden gems and maybe a new tattoo. Also last time a seagull stole my pain au chocolat so this time I’m going to finish the whole thing.
CJ – I performed at The Actors a few years ago and was instantly obsessed with the other performers and theatre lovers I met there. It feels like one of the OG safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ communities. You can feel that there’s history here.
Are there any other shows you are excited to see?
Tiff – I’m really excited to see Bertie Hodd’s Dad Jokes at the Rotunda, I went to Uni with Bertie and he is a joy on stage. Jacob Alcroft’s The day I got the horn also at the Rotunda also looks like it’s going to be surreal and fun and I can’t wait to see it. It’s also going to be a full day event at The Actors Theatre on the 18th to celebrate all that the theatre has to offer, it’s totally free to attend and there is so much to see, so everyone should go!
Charlotte – Scarlett Smith’s Any Objections? I saw part of the show as a scratch night a few years ago and it’s been really exciting seeing it grow since!
Let’s Unpack That is on at The Actors May 13 and 14 at 6pm.
Tickets: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/lets-unpack-that/
Venue: The Actors Theatre: 4 Prince’s Street
