Kara is 19. She is writing a letter to THAT’S LIFE magazine – telling her story. The play, using a blend of narration, enacted scenes, dance and projected images, charts her relationship with Reece which started when she was 15. As her story unfolds we see Reece using controlling behaviour which undermines Kara’s confidence and degenerates into partnership violence towards her. Eventually Kara becomes pregnant and it is her fear for her baby that finally gives her the strength to break free.

This play was originally developed through a Myrtle Theatre Company project with professional actors and young parents attending a pupil referral unit with support from Arts Council England. Originally performed at Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol it subsequently toured to schools in the Bristol area. Most recently it was recommissioned by the National Theatre under their Connections programme with the new title A Letter to Lacey.



Photographer: Graham Burke