Fluff Q and A

We caught up with Tayla and James from Fluff. The one woman show comes to the Torch on Sunday 2 March, produced by Teepee Productions and Joe Brown. Tayla Kenyon plays Fluff and co-wrote the show with James Piercy.

Tell us a bit about Fluff – what’s it about?

James: Fluff is a darkly comedic play that follows one woman as she pieces together her past to make sense of her present. It dives into memory, life choices, and the impact of dementia, told through a non-linear storyline that keeps you on your toes.

Where did the inspiration come from to write the play?

Tayla: The inspiration for Fluff came from our regular Zoom catch-ups, where we’d throw around ideas and chat about our lives. Over time, we realised we both had a personal connection to dementia, having seen loved ones go through it. That shared experience sparked something in us—we wanted to tell a story that was honest, moving, and even a little bit funny, capturing the complexities of memory, identity, and the way we make sense of our past.

What are the main themes of the play? 

James: The main themes of Fluff revolve around memory, identity, and the passage of time. At its core, the play explores how our past shapes who we are and what happens when those memories start to slip away.

Tayla: Dementia is a key theme, tackled in an honest and sensitive way, but the play also delves into grief, nostalgia, and the small moments that define a life.

James: There’s also warmth and humour woven throughout, making it a deeply human and relatable story.

Did you find the writing emotional?

Tayla: Absolutely. Writing Fluff was an incredibly emotional process. Since the story is rooted in personal experiences and explores themes of memory...

James: There were moments that really hit home.

Tayla: Some scenes felt especially raw to write, but at the same time, there was a lot of joy in finding the humour and heart within the story.

James: It was deeply moving but also very cathartic.

Why is a play on dementia so important in this current climate?

Tayla: Dementia doesn't discriminate; it can affect anyone. In the current climate people tend to pull away from one another, highlight each other’s differences in a negative way but wouldn't it be better to come together, especially since we all have so much in common.

James: Theatre has the power to spark conversations, raise awareness, and help people connect. A play about something that can affect any of us, at any time, highlights the similar circumstances we all may face in life.

Say a bit about the main character – Fluff.

Tayla: Fluff is a complex, layered character who is both sharp-witted and deeply vulnerable. 

James: She’s a character that feels incredibly real—flawed, funny, and full of heart.

Is Fluff based on true events?

Tayla: Yes, to a degree. We both had grandparents who lived with dementia, and while that definitely influenced the themes of the show, much of what happens in Fluff is fictional.

Does Fluff have a message for its audiences?

James: We hope it reminds audiences to treasure the moments that shape us, even the difficult ones. We also want it to encourage people to hold onto their connections with loved ones and find laughter, even in the hardest times.