I sat down with Ru Lawrence to find out more about GRIEFCASE, The Hope Theatre’s first-ever co-production in 15 years, coming later this month.

Can you tell me a little about your show and what audiences can expect?

Our new show, Griefcase, was born entirely from that wordless, heavy space. Devised by myself and the incredible ensemble of Tailwind Physical Theatre, the piece follows G, who returns to his childhood flat to clear it out before the council repossesses it. Surrounded by the physical clutter of a life—all the things you can’t quite bring yourself to throw away, he navigates the empty rooms, and memories of his late mother surface. Her presence follows him, showing him fragments of their shared past and forcing him to confront a deeply complicated relationship.

What drew you to this specific story?

In 2024, I found my next-door neighbour dead outside my front door. I tried to resuscitate her, but I couldn’t. This sent me into a spiral with my own grief, and since I had no way to express what I was going through with real words, I turned to creation. Since finding her, I felt my own grief and the doors I had never opened within myself were all kicked in. The journey I went on brought things to me that I don’t think I truly have the words to describe. After losing friends, pets, and family members and even old versions of myself, I knew this show held something important for me and for a huge community of people who likely felt the same way. 

When I first created the show, it was a solo piece as part of the Camden Fringe, which later grew into an ensemble piece and returned for a wip showing at The Hope in March of 2026. Each time we have performed the show, people always come over and say, “I didn’t realize I needed that,” or “That is exactly what I felt but I didn’t have the words.”  G R I E F C A S E isn’t just a show; it is a place where people come to feel seen and held in their grief, and I have the privilege as the creator of this show to take you on that immense journey with me. 

What has been the biggest challenge in bringing this production to life?

I have so much trust and faith in the ensemble and the people creating the physical side of the show, so the challenges we feel in the room as creators are always worked out over a pint in the pub with scripts and laptops everywhere. We are a group of friends who are all queer and working class, and we have fought so hard to be in the position we are in, and we do not take any of that for granted. I am so incredibly proud and grateful to work with artists this talented; they have truly kept me grounded in this process. 

This will sound like a broken record, but the biggest challenge has been raising enough funds to actually put the show together. The financial landscape for the arts is horrifying, and this year alone we were rejected 6 times by Arts Council without any feedback. Each time the project has grown, the budget line has shrunk, and we still haven’t managed to receive any financial support. I have had to increase my overdraft, take out credit cards to invest in this show because I believe in it, and the sold-out audiences we have had also believe in it too.  We recently announced a crowdfunding campaign (https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/g-r-i-e-f-c-a-s-e), and we would welcome any support people can offer. The show is important to so many people, and the money you donate helps us bring that community closer together. 

How does the design of your show (set, sound, or lighting) impact the presentation of your story?

I use a total theatre approach, meaning we consider all elements of theatre whilst creating and devising in the room. The layered sound design aids the emotional journey of our main character, G. The costume and set help place the audience in our parallel world. The choreography and lighting paired together help narrate what grief can look like from the inside. But most importantly, the intimate nature of the space means you are right there with us, You can see the sweat up close, hear our breath and feel the tailwind from our bodies as we pass you by. The impact is felt directly by you, the audience. 

If you could sum up the show in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

GRIEF. Grief is so non-linear and can look so different to every person. This show highlights the peaks and troughs of relationship dynamics whilst exploring the mania and animalistic nature of grief, and we are doing exactly that. 

Griefcase is at The Hope Theatre 22 September – 3 October, with tickets available here: https://www.ticketsource.com/thehopetheatre/g-r-i-e-f-c-a-s-e/e-vgekdd