A grandson’s attempt to piece together a forgotten family story takes centre stage in a moving one-person play.
With All My Fondest Love, written and performed by emerging playwright Noah Wild, will be performed at The Lantern Theatre, Brighton from May 9 to 10 as part of the Brighton Fringe.
Tickets are priced at £10 and can be booked online at lanterntheatrebrighton.co.uk or by calling 0333 666 4466.
The 75-minute play, directed by Rosie Morgan-Males, has already resonated with audiences during successful runs at Oxford Playhouse and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Mr Wild said: “Sharing my grandparents’ ordinary yet curious marriage, and all the uncertain secrets it contains, always brings out similar stories in our audience: this true story seems to echo the uncertain connection to our past that many of us feel.”
Described by Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy as a “quietly devastating, beautifully written piece of drama,” the play explores the bonds of love and loss between generations—using a grandson’s discovery of old letters and diaries as its emotional anchor.
The story unfolds as Mr Wild, while attempting to reconnect with an ex-girlfriend, uncovers a box in his attic containing his grandparents’ deeply personal correspondence.
Musical comedy duo to bring Petfood! show to Fringe stage
Musical comedy duo to bring Petfood! show to Fringe stage
Brighton Fringe unveils 2026 programme and performances
Brighton Fringe unveils 2026 programme and performances
Comedy musical by LGBTQ+ company debuts at Brighton Fringe
Comedy musical by LGBTQ+ company debuts at Brighton Fringe
Through these artefacts, he pieces together the lives of Harold and Marlene Wild—a couple he never truly knew before their passing.
Harold’s lifelong diary entries reveal a tapestry of personal and historical events, from his childhood during the Second World War to his experience of the Partition of India.
Marlene’s journey includes her private grief after neonatal loss.
Their marriage, full of daily joys and subtle heartaches, is woven into Mr Wild’s own struggles with romance and identity.
The play not only explores generational echoes of love and heartbreak but also the power of storytelling to heal and connect.
It is a collaboration between early-career theatre artists, with lighting design by Tilly Jackson-Long.
Due to sensitive themes including stillbirth, cancer, mental illness, violence and some strong language, the production is recommended for audiences aged 12 and above.
There will be no interval during the performance.