What would you say to yourself?

Published: 16 May 2017
Reporter: Peter Lathan

Letters to Myself

Writer and producer Becci Sharrock, who lives in Gateshead, has travelled the country visiting more than a dozen towns giving out free letter writing kits and inviting people to put pen to paper and write a letter to their past, present or future self. She received over 100 letters—some long, some short, some silly and some soul searching.

In the North East alone, Sharrock and her team delivered a range of activities from a pop-up event at the Shipley Art Gallery and a talk at Sunday Assembly to workshops in schools. In partnership with Cultural Spring in Sunderland and South Tyneside, more than fifteen writing workshops and drop-in sessions were delivered.

“We offered people the chance to write about anything they want,” she said, “so some of the letters are dark and painful, touching on really difficult parts of people’s lives. And others are really joyful, celebratory letters reflecting on happy moments or particular achievements.

“It all started because I became aware that many of us are brilliant friends to other people but struggle to give ourselves the same support. It started me thinking about how we might become better at honouring ourselves with the guidance, love and encouragement that we give to those around us.”

The final letters have been woven together to create a script that shares the true-life stories of the creators. The show, Letters to Myself, is at Live Theatre on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 May at the end of a thirteen-date national tour.

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