The Glad Game is a story of finding yourself in the darkest moments, about leaning on those who love you and finding reasons everywhere to be glad.

This one-woman play was written by Nottingham actress and writer Phoebe Frances Brown.

Originally directed by the wonderful Tessa Walker, Phoebe premiered the play in 2021 as pandemic restrictions were beginning to lift, performing it on the main stage at Nottingham Playhouse. She later took the production to London’s Hampstead Theatre, sharing her story with even wider audiences.

Tragically, Phoebe passed away in April 2022.

Now, four years later, with a new artistic team and the unwavering support of Phoebe’s mum, Gail, The Glad Game is returning to Nottingham Playhouse.

Phoebe’s story is powerful, moving and uplifting in equal measure. With raw and unflinching honesty, she explores the reality of living with a cancer diagnosis, laying bare her hopes, dreams and fears. In doing so, she shines a light on an illness that can still feel difficult to talk about openly, giving voice to experiences so often left unspoken.

Yet The Glad Game is far more than a story about illness. Phoebe weaves humour, heartbreak, spirit and personality through every moment of the play, creating a piece that is as life-affirming as it is emotional.

Directed by Kathryn Edwards, actress Jen White takes Phoebe’s words and carries them beautifully, bringing her story vividly to life on stage

Following nightly standing ovations at The Lace Market Theatre, we are honoured to be bringing Phoebe’s extraordinary story home to Nottingham Playhouse for two nights only.

The Glad Game is Phoebe’s story; the story of finding yourself in the darkest moments, about leaning on those who love you and finding reasons everywhere to be glad.

Nottingham actress Phoebe Frances Brown is at the beginning of her acting career. She is living in London and enjoying life to the full when she is struck with devastating news. At 28 she is diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. This is her story. A one woman show of incredible strength and endurance in the face of adversity, Phoebe’s story is raw and real. She tells it with humour and authenticity and a genuine love for her number one passion in life. Acting.

A tour de force; Phoebe takes the audience on her journey with brutal honesty and raw emotions. She will have you laughing and crying in equal measure, which is what she would have wanted because all good theatre pulls at a myriad of human emotions and in this piece she has done just that.

‘I knew Phoebe’s writing was important and powerful. But I don’t think I realised quite how far reaching and how personally healing it would be. It warms my heart to think that instead of being triggering and difficult to those personally connected with her story, of which there are many, it is a source of comfort, inspiration and hope.

Phoebe’s story deserves to be seen and heard. It’s important. She gives a voice to something we don’t talk about too much and she does it in a way that is full of spirit, humour, wit, heartbreak and personality.’ Director Kathryn Edwards

Anchored by Jen White’s extraordinary performance and guided by Kathryn Edwards’ confident direction, The Glad Game is a heartfelt celebration of a life lived brightly, if far too briefly. If you have the chance to witness this production, take it. You will leave a little more inclined to play the glad game yourself.” Elemental Theatre