I Don't Know What to Say

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Laura Smyth: I Don't Know What to Say

Comedy: Standup

BBC Radio 4 - Laura Smyth: I Don't Know What to Say

Comedian Laura Smyth shares her cancer story and explores people’s responses to grief.

An engaging, moving and funny stand up special about grief and people’s responses to traumatic news, from award-winning comedian Laura Smyth.

We have all been in a situation where we don’t know what to say, or how best to support a friend during a major negative life event. When Laura Smyth was diagnosed with breast cancer she was blown away (and highly amused) at how poorly many around her responded to the news. From pulling the wrong face, to offering medical advice sourced on YouTube, to simply panicking and saying nothing at all… we have a tendency to put our foot in it.

In this half-hour special, Laura applies her award-winning stand up skills to the world of grieving, sharing funny and poignant anecdotes from her journey with cancer and her interactions with friends, family and strangers.

She asks why it is so difficult to say the right thing when trying to support loved ones, explores the sometimes unrealistic expectations that grievers put upon others, and speaks to psychotherapist Philippa Perry to get an expert opinion. 

There may not be a perfect solution or ideal response, but can we all be better at knowing what to say?  

Written and performed by Laura Smyth
Produced by Sasha Bobak
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Coordinator: Katie Baum
An EcoAudio certified production

It is a BBC Studios production for Radio 4

This programme was first broadcast in 2023

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