Many of us can relate to the concept of families not talking about things – but Helen Wood (The Usherettes, The National Trust Fan Club, The OS Map Fan Club) shows us the extreme in Let’s Talk About Philip, a fast-paced, candid, darkly comic and gripping new play. After her mother’s funeral, Helen’s father suddenly said: ‘let’s talk about Philip’.
It was the first time anyone in her family had spoken about her brother since his suicide, 32 years previously. Here, we are taken on a quest into the Wood family’s history to discover some hidden truths behind her brother’s death and the conspiracy of silence that surrounded them.
Along with actor and co-writer Gregor Hunt, Helen uses theatre to allow us to meet Philip ourselves and to ask the questions that can never really be answered. Prompted by her father finally speaking out, Helen embarked on a voyage of discovery to learn more about the circumstances of her brother’s suicide. But, as she starts to dig, she uncovers more and more surprising details and discovers that there may be more to the narrative she’s always held to be true. What are the consequences of bringing a buried story to life after 32 years and why did everyone remain silent for so long?
Suicide is something that has touched many of us including Helen’s co-writer Gregor and director Derek Bond (2022 Olivier Award Nominee, Dragons & Mythical Beasts); in 2020, nearly 5,000 suicides were registered in England alone. Bond skilfully realises this intriguing and important play, filled with humour and absurdism, alongside moments of poignancy around the importance of talking.
Helen Wood comments, Philip’s death has been a major part of my life and, as a storyteller and performer, I wanted to tell my story through theatre and honour my brother’s memory. This has proved to be hugely cathartic and I hope that by sharing our story others may be encouraged to talk more about difficult issues.
Let’s Talk About Philip will support and work with Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, the only national charity providing peer support to those impacted by suicide loss. They offer peer led support groups, online virtual support groups, a national telephone helpline, online community forum and email support. All are open to all those affected by a suicide loss, aged 18 years and over and are free of charge. For more information click here.
