Eastern Angles, in association with The Seagull Theatre, has announced the cast for It Comes In Waves, a new comedy drama by James McDermott.
The production will tour the East of England from Friday 19 June to Friday 11 July 2026, with a press night on Wednesday 24 June at Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge.
Set in a fictional grief café in Lowestoft, It Comes In Waves brings together three people at different stages of grief as they attempt to navigate loss, change and how to move forward.
Ben Nealon plays Howard, the group leader who supports others while avoiding his own unresolved experiences of grief.
Erin Geraghty appears as Crystal, a recent widow trying to rebuild routine and connection following her loss.
Meg Artherton plays Jordan, a teenager who resists the idea that grief must take time and wants to confront it head on.
The play draws on McDermott’s own experiences following the death of his father during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing everyday conversation alongside moments of reflection and humour.
It is directed by Eastern Angles’ Artistic Director and CEO Jake Smith, continuing the company’s commitment to touring new writing rooted in regional voices and settings.
Writer James McDermott said “It Comes In Waves draws on my own experiences of navigating grief after losing my father to COVID-19 in 2022. Whilst the play is personal, grief is experienced by everyone and many people lost something during the pandemic. I hope the play contributes to conversations around bereavement and how it is understood. The piece uses humour alongside these themes, reflecting the ways people often respond to loss”.
Alongside performances, selected venues will host grief writing workshops led by McDermott and a professional grief recovery specialist, offering audiences further engagement with the themes of the play.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
