Interview: Lost and Found – Unraveling Memory in a Theatrical Fluff

Teepee Productions’ James Piercy and Tayla Kenyon on Fluff

Teepee Productions, the creative duo of James Piercy and Tayla Kenyon, have spent years crafting Fluff – a darkly comic yet deeply poignant play that delves into memory, identity, and the impact of dementia. Now, after all the development and refinement, their work is ready to hit the stage, offering audiences a unique blend of humor and heartache.

Inspired by their own experiences with loved ones affected by dementia, Piercy and Kenyon have woven together a non-linear narrative that mirrors the twists and turns of the mind. The play’s lead, portrayed by Kenyon, is a complex, layered character whose journey forces audiences to confront difficult yet deeply human questions. We caught up with the duo to discuss the show’s evolution, its emotional impact, and what they hope audiences take away from Fluff.

Welcome, Teepee Productions! It’s great to have you here at ET. Can you introduce yourselves?

James: Hi, I’m James Piercy, co-writer of Fluff.

Tayla: And I’m Tayla Kenyon, co-writer and performer in Fluff.

Both: And together, we are Teepee Productions!

What can audiences expect from the show?

James: Fluff takes audiences on an emotional odyssey – it’s a darkly comic yet deeply moving play that follows one woman as she reflects on her life choices and memories. As she navigates her past, she’s trying to make sense of her present, all while facing the difficult and deeply personal issue of dementia.

Tayla: The story is told in a non-linear way, so audiences will experience the twists and turns of her mind. It’s an engaging and thought-provoking journey – a unique blend of humor and heart that we hope lingers with people long after the show ends.

As writers, what inspired you to create Fluff?

James: The idea for Fluff was born during our weekly Zoom calls, where we’d throw around ideas, talk about our families, and share personal stories. Over time, we realized we both had a shared history with dementia – having seen loved ones in our families struggle with it. That connection led us to explore the topic in a meaningful way, blending our personal experiences with humor and emotion to tell a story that feels both personal and universal.

How long have you been working on this play?

Tayla: We’ve been working on Fluff for five years. We first met during an online writing course in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, and that’s where the journey began.

Has the version going on tour changed much from your original vision?

James: Oh, absolutely. The show has evolved a lot since we first put pen to paper. We’ve worked hard to refine it, making changes along the way to ensure it’s the best it can be. Writing is rewriting, as they say.

Tayla: We’ve also incorporated audience feedback and gained invaluable insights from working with charities like the Alzheimer’s Society and Herts Musical Memories.

James: Their input helped us ensure the show feels as authentic and respectful as possible…

Tayla: Without being exploitative.

Tayla, as a performer, what do you enjoy most about your character?

Tayla: I love how complex and nuanced she is. She’s not a simple, one-dimensional role – she has layers. As we explore her past and present, you see contradictions, vulnerability, and strength. She’s fascinating to portray, and bringing all those layers to life has been both a challenge and a joy.

How challenging has this role been for you?

Tayla: It’s definitely been a challenge, especially since I’m performing the show alone. Running the full emotional spectrum every night is exhausting, but it’s also a dream role for an actor. The depth and complexity make it incredibly rewarding.

What do you hope audiences take away from your character?

Tayla: I hope they see her as more than just her circumstances. She’s a fully formed person with a rich inner world. I want audiences to feel empathy for her journey – not just because of what she’s going through, but because of who she is.

And what do you hope the audience takes away from the show as a whole?

James: I hope they reflect on the emotional journey they’ve just experienced. I want them to feel moved – maybe even challenged – by the themes we explore, particularly around dementia and memory. Most of all, I hope they leave with a deeper understanding and empathy for those facing similar struggles.

Are there any plans for what’s next after this run – either for the show or for you both?

Tayla: After Fluff finishes its run, we’re excited to keep working on new projects. We’re passionate about creating fresh work, not just for theatre, but also exploring opportunities in television and audio drama.

James: There’s so much potential to tell stories in different mediums, and we’re eager to see where the next chapter takes us.

Will you be heading to the bar after the show? And are you hoping audiences stick around to chat with you?

James: Oh, absolutely!

Tayla: We’d love for people to stay and chat about the show.

If Fluff were a colour, what would it be and why?

Tayla: A deep, rich purple – it’s got that balance of intensity and warmth.

And if it were a meal, what would it be?

James: Probably a hearty, complex stew – a little bit of everything in there!

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?

James: The best advice we’ve received is to always stay true to the story you want to tell, no matter what. It sounds simple, but it has made all the difference in how we approached Fluff. From the beginning, we knew we wanted to tackle the subject of dementia in a thoughtful and authentic way. That advice helped us stay focused on our vision, even when things got tricky.

Tayla: It’s all about honoring the heart of the story and staying committed to it—that’s really shaped how we’ve developed this play.

Thank you to James and Tayla for talking to us.

Fluff begins its UK Tour on 12th February until 12th April. Further information and book are available here.